The city government has asked the support of the business sector in implementing health protocols to curb the rising cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) here.

Mayor Edwin Santiago made the call during a meeting with mall and supermarket executives and managers on Monday, citing the importance of their roles in suppressing Covid-19 in the city.

“Importante ang inyong partisipasyon sa labang ito (Your participation in this fight is important). Yes, we have to save the economy but we also have to save lives. Utak at puso ang kailangan. Alam ko kayo ay executives and managers, kaya kayo nariyan dahil marurunong kayo pero dagdagan natin ng puso (Brain and heart are needed. I know that you are executives and managers and you are here because you are intelligent, but add more heart),” Santiago said in a statement.

He asked mall and supermarket owners to strictly impose health protocols in their premises following the sudden increase in the city’s Covid-19 fatality rate.

“That is why pinatawag namin kayo para ayusin natin ang infection control policies at higpitan pa ang pagpapatupad ng mga alituntunin (That is why we called you to fix our infection control policies and be strict in implementing the guidelines),” Santiago said.

He thanked the business sector for supporting the programs and strategies of the local government.

Santiago also promised to prioritize medical and social services without undermining the business sector to reinvigorate the city’s economy.

After his call, establishments are expected to strictly implement the basic minimum health standards, such as the use of face masks and face shields, and not allowing persons without quarantine passes inside their establishments.

Joseph Garcia, chief of the Business Permit and License Division at the city hall, said non-compliance with the guidelines and protocols would be grounds for the closure of the establishment.

As of August 24, the city had a total of 251 confirmed Covid-19 cases, some 120 of which were active.

The total number of recoveries is 125 while the death tally is 6. (PNA)