Photo courtesy of DTI
MANILA – In preparation to reopen dine-in services in fast food chains and restaurants, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued new guidelines for these establishments on top of the minimum health protocols earlier released by the department.
In the guidelines released by DTI Sunday, face-to-face seating will be allowed but with proper dividers, while still maintaining at least one-meter distance between tables and chairs.
Fast food and restaurants are also advised to provide food menus per table and taking orders shall be contactless.
“For single-use table menus, upon entry, customers shall be escorted to an assigned table with the corresponding number, who will select the order by checking choices in the menu placed on the table; for non-single use menu, upon entry, shall be escorted to an assigned table with the corresponding number, who will select orders from the menu placed on the table,” the guidelines stated.
Buffet and self-service areas for food bars, condiments, and utensils are still not allowed.
The DTI also requires customers to fill out a health checklist that will be provided at the entrance of the establishment.
Establishments can reject customers with a temperature of more than 37.5 degrees Celsius, or those having a cough, colds, or shortness of breath.
The DTI likewise encouraged these establishments to provide alternative methods of payment.
DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez earlier said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) was looking into allowing the reopening of dine-in services in restaurants and fast food establishments as the government eases the quarantine measures in the country amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Last Saturday, the IATF approved the reopening of barbershops and salons on June 7 recognizing the sector’s developed “very strict protocol” and to bring back jobs for 400,000 workers in over 35,000 establishments. (PNA)
