Solaire leading the charge to reopen
Tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. invested in the mass testing of employees at his group’s port terminal and integrated gaming resort businesses in the Philippines to protect and prepare manpower resource for the “new normal” amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
investing in testings kits to ensure the safety of both its employees and future visitors. The mass testing of Razon’s employees is being done using a two-pronged strategy proposed by health experts.
First, rapid testing will be done through point-of-care test kits, a diagnostic tool that measures antibodies from a blood sample in 10 to 15 minutes.
In conjunction with required confirmatory testing, a second test using traditional kits, processed through a real-time polymerase chain reaction or RT-PCR machine is likewise conducted to detect the presence of the actual COVID-19 within days.
Razon, who chairs both ICTSI and Bloomberry, said in a press statement
“Our employees are our number one asset. As we try to overcome this most difficult phase and into the ‘new normal’, we do so without letting our guard down. Consistent with our aim of helping the country’s health infrastructure in tackling the extent of the pandemic, our decision to invest in mass testing will give us, our employees, and their loved ones the reassurance that they will have a safe working environment, which ICTSI and Solaire are well-known for,”
Operating only on 20%
Asked what Solaire’s business might look like once ECQ is eventually lifted, Razon revealed,
“Our plan when we can reopen is to test everyone. Gaming capacity will only be at 20% of our usual capacity, there will be physical distancing, wearing of masks will be mandatory.”
Covid 19 has deeply affected businesses in the Philippines. Razon also noted that Bloomberry could potentially slip into loss in 2020, a view later clarified by the company in a filing with the Philippine Stock Exchange.
“The Company confirms the statement of Mr Razon and would like to clarify that such loss is possible due to the suspension of casino operations of Bloomberry in compliance with the order of PAGCOR and due to the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila,”
“The ECQ in Metro Manila, which has just been extended to 15 May 2020, is intended to prevent the spread of the virus which causes the COVID-19 disease. Another reason is the severe contraction of businesses worldwide caused by the lockdown imposed by most countries around the world which mean lower travel and lower priority for leisure activities.
“Management is currently preparing for the eventual restart of operations and is designing stringent cleanliness and social distancing protocols that are appropriate for an entertainment venue like Solaire.”
New safety measures will be strictly implemented
Solaire sent a notice to registered members last week outlining its safety and sanitization measures upon reopening, including the installation of tents and foot baths at entrances to disinfect anyone who enters, temperature scanners, handrail UVC lights for elevators and stairs, and regular disinfecting of all areas.
