SP asks Mayor Moreno, COVID-19 TF to reconsider restrictions on hotels, restaurants during GCQ

THE 19th City Council during its regular session Monday presided over by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy adopted a resolution appealing to City Mayor Oscar Moreno and the Cagayan de Oro City COVID-19 Task Force to reconsider some of the heightened health protocols, guidelines, or restrictions imposed on hotels and restaurants in the city during the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

This is in response to the request of the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA).

In its letter, COHARA said various establishments have been greatly affected by the pandemic that more businesses are bound to stop operations or if it gets worse, permanently closed.

The association said innovations such as online platforms, though useful, have limited capabilities, resulting in increasing difficulties in supporting the workforce and sustaining operations.

Considering that more Kagay-anons are now being vaccinated daily, COHARA proposed that check-ins be allowed for vaccinated individuals who have at least received the first dose, regardless of purpose or age.

They also want restaurants to be able to cater to vaccinated individuals who have at least received the first dose, at 50-percent dining capacity.

The organization proposed that social gatherings be allowed for vaccinated individuals at 50-percent function room capacity with minimum public health and safety protocols strictly observed. It was also suggested that leisure stay be allowed for vaccinated individuals who have at least received the first dose.

Councilor George S. Goking and Councilor Ian Mark Q. Nacaya are the proponents of the resolution.