By Francis Allan L. Angelo
The Iloilo City government issued two executive orders in a bid to slow down the surge in COVID-19 cases.
Executive Order Nos. 168 mandated air-conditioned workplaces/establishments and public utility vehicles (PUVs) to allow natural air flow exchange as a COVID-19 intervention measure.
Mayor Jerry Treñas issued the EOs after meeting with the City COVID-19 team on Tuesday to discuss the causes and responses to rising cases in the city.
The EO applies to both private and public workplaces and establishments within the city maintaining enclosed air-conditioned spaces and buildings and also to air-conditioned public utility vehicles plying within the city.
The EO cited reports suggesting the possibility or high risk of virus transmission inside cars owing to limited area and use by different people.
The order shall be effective 12:01 a.m. of 14 October 2020 until otherwise lifted.
The EO set the guidelines for air-conditioned buildings/establishments:
- Windows and doors must be opened to facilitate the natural air flow exchange.
- Air conditioning units are to be turned off to reduce air recirculation.
- If the foregoing are not feasible, the installation of exhaust fans, installation of air filtration devices with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters or the recalibration of building heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems should be implemented. It must be ensured that the unit is adequate for the size of the room in which it is installed. Said devices should be properly maintained per manufacturer recommendations.
- Individuals should not be situated directly in the flow of air coming from fans and air-conditioning units as these may facilitate the transmission of the virus by directing air from infected individuals to others in the room.
- The guidelines provided herein shall likewise be implemented in comfort room areas of said buildings/establishments.
Air-conditioned PUVs must follow the following:
- The opening of window(s), with at least three (3) inches of opening, while in transit should be practiced whenever possible.
- If the aforementioned is not feasible, PUV’S must utilize car vents that allow fresh outside air to flow in and avoid the use of recirculated air, i.e pressing the re-circulation button on.
- The observance of physical distancing of at least one (1) meter and wearing of face masks and face shields shall be followed.
- Proper disinfection before and after each use of the vehicle is likewise mandatory.
- Maximum vehicle capacity in accordance with guidelines issued by the Department of Transportation must be strictly observed.
On the other hand, EO 169 mandates the installation of barriers in bars and restaurants. The basis of the order is the World Health Organization information that the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.
The installation of barriers is considered effective in preventing cross-contamination among customers by stopping respiratory droplets from coming into contact with those on the other side of the barrier.
The EO defined physical barriers as non-permeable materials, i.e, acrylic, plexiglass, plastic cover, polycarbonate etc. which can serve as partitions among customers and as a tool to intercept respiratory droplets of individuals in close contact.
The dimensions should exceed the breathing zone of partition users, i.e. can be visualized as a bubble with a radius of 30 cm (12 inches) extending from the mid-point of a person’s nose.
In all cases, the physical barrier must not compromise the breathing zone of every user.
The EO set the following rules on bars, restaurants, and food establishments:
- Install partitions/barriers along the following areas: dining tables, bar stations and cashier’s counters;
- Pass-throughs or openings should be as small as possible and should not be located in the breathing zone of either user;
- Partitions/Barriers must be treated as contaminated surfaces and should be cleaned regularly. These should be cleaned twice daily, or more frequently if visibly soiled, as with other high-touch surfaces with the use of mild soap and water or a compatible disinfectant;
- If microfiber or other reusable cloths are used to wash or dry the partition/barriers, these should be considered contaminated and should be laundered before reuse;
- Partitions/Barriers must still be used in conjunction with other critical infection prevention and control measures, including frequent handwashing, disinfection, respiratory etiquette, physical distancing and mandatory use of face masks.
The Business Permits and Licensing Office as well as other authorized officers of the Iloilo City Government, the Public Safety and Transportation Management Office and the Iloilo City Compliance Officers and those authorized by the Iloilo City Government to ensure proper enforcement of pertinent laws, rules and regulations will enforce the two EOs.
