BACOLOD City Mayor Evelio Leonardia has issued Executive Advisory No. 1, Series of 2020, to the eight big malls in the city to observe guidelines on business operations in the light of the public concerns on coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
The Executive Advisory was signed by Leonardia on March 18, 2020 addressed to SM Mall, Robinson’s Mall, CityMall Mandalagan, CityMall Golden Fields, Gaisano City Mall, 888 China Town Square, 888 Premiere, and Ayala Capitol Central.
“The clear and present danger in the health and life or our people posed by Covid-19 cannot be overemphasized,” Leonardia said.
With the entire country now placed under a state of calamity by order of President Rodrigo Duterte on account of this fast-growing and deadly public health, Leonardia appealed to the malls to consider as soon as possible the following options singly or in combination, with regard on their business operations: They can voluntarily reduce the number of days that their business establishment will be open for business; they can voluntarily close, fully or partially, their business establishment until this health threat is averted; or they can continue to operate but with a skeletal staff, and preferably, manned by those who are residents of Bacolod so that those of their staff who reside outside Bacolod shall no longer need to come into the city for stricter quarantine measures.
“However, it should be made clear that whatever option you will take with regard to your business operations during this public health emergency situation, the following businesses should be kept open for business since they provide essential public services; drugstores and pharmacies, supermarkets and groceries, medical clinics and laboratories, government offices, bakeries, banks and convenience stores (provided no dine-in),” he said.
He added: “if any of the above businesses in your establishment insist on closing too, we shall make sure to remember them in the administration of our regulatory functions. This Executive Advisory should give you enough time to consult your tenants and employees and to make the proper public announcements yourselves of whatever option you will take to help stop the spread of Covid-19.”
The mayor also urged the malls management to inform the City Administrator on their decision not later than March 20. (MAP)