Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte is back to work Monday after completing the 14-day mandatory quarantine period required by the Department of Health (DOH).

Belmonte was given a clearance by the QC Health Department after she tested negative in her rapid diagnostic test on Sunday.

An advisory by the city government on Monday states that Belmonte is thankful that she was asymptomatic during the whole duration of her quarantine period.

Because of this, even as she was on quarantine, she was able to continue to perform her duties as a city mayor.

To recall, Belmonte posted on the Facebook page of the QC Government on July 8 that she was tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Belmonte said that her early recovery may be attributed to the “pagmamahal, suporta at mga panalangin na ipinagkaloob ng QC citizens (love, support and prayers given to her by the Quezon City residents).”

Increase dining capacity

Meanwhile, the Quezon City government is conducting continuous surprise inspections in various dining places and restaurants in the city.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has already given a green light on the increased seating capacity in areas under the general community quarantine (GCQ).

From June 30 up to July 15, the city’s Business Permits and Licensing Department (BPLD), Tourism Department, Department of Public Order and Safety, and the Health Department have already visited 37 restaurants and food establishments in the city.

Some 23 establishments are subject to reinspection after being declared initially as non-compliant to some protocols like the use of thermal scanners, logbook for contact tracing, putting up of markers, and signage for physical distancing.

Under Section 9 of Republic Act 11332, the non-cooperation of persons or entities affected by a health event of public concern may be penalized.

The city government may revoke the business permits of establishments violating the imposed guidelines and restrictions.

Belmonte said that as the city slowly allows these establishments to reopen, it is also important to be always on guard against Covid-19. (PNA)