EOC issues guidelines for cockpit operations

CEBU, Philippines —  The Emergency Operations Center has issued guidelines for cockpit operators to follow as the Cebu City government allows their operations to resume.

For onsite safety procedures, all employees of the cockpit establishment must be fully vaccinated. All employees are also required to bring and wear masks or cloth face coverings during the entire duration of the cockpit operations, especially in common areas.

The minimum public health standards such as but not limited to wearing of face mask, maintaining a reasonable distance from each other as well as coughing etiquette must be strictly observed at all times.

Hand washing and sanitation stations should also be in place in strategic areas of the cockpit arena. In-person betting is allowed but should be kept to a minimum, reasonable distancing rule, and health protocols should be enforced in all parts of the arena.

The management is also expected to regulate the capacity of the arena to avoid overcrowding. A Health Infection and Prevention Control Officer (HIPCO) should be designated in each establishment to ensure compliance with the health protocols for both employees and participants.

The EOC told operators that ventilation in cockpits is a must including the installation of facilities and devices that improve air circulation and proper ventilation as well as regular cleaning and disinfection.

A designated isolation room for employees who manifest COVID-19 symptoms while reporting to work is also being advised if possible.

“In such case, the company nurse or medical practitioner shall immediately assess and monitor the said employee for appropriate action and referral for COVID-19 testing,” part of the guidelines reads.

Before cockpit establishments can officially resume their operations, the EOC together with the other agencies will have to inspect the arena first upon the request of the owner in order to check the establishment’s compliance with the safety protocols and procedures.

The inspection will be conducted at random at a reasonable time in order to ensure that all guidelines are strictly complied with.

“Non-compliance of the aforementioned safety measures and conditions shall be subject to disciplinary measures and sanctions as provided by law.”

 Cockpit operators are also enjoined to participate in consultative meetings so that the need for future policies that are responsive to the needs of the constituents may be addressed. —FPL (FREEMAN)