THE City Government has issued a stern warning to operators of tourism-related establishments that sanctions will be imposed on them for violations of health protocols amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
This, as the City Tourism Office and the Liga ng mga Barangay are joining forces to monitor and inspect various private resorts that are operating in the different villages here.
Sarita Sebastian, City Tourism Office chief, sought the support of Councilor Jerry Perez, Liga ng mga Barangay president, in the move to check all tourism-oriented establishments that are running without proper documentation and, more importantly, not adhering to the health and safety protocols enforced in the city.
Rampant violations of health and safety protocols by tourism-related establishments have been noted through photographs posted on the social media pages.
Sebastian said tourism-oriented establishments are required to signify their intention to resume their operations to the local tourism office which shall issue a Certificate to Operate, with the exception of accommodation businesses which shall secure such certificate from the Department of Tourism.
She said the City Government has allowed tourism-oriented establishments to resume their operations on strict condition that they comply with minimum health standards.
She added that failure to observe the prescribed protocols can expose employees and patrons to Covid-19 virus and may result in the rise of active cases in the city. (SunStar Zamboanga)