The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has released its updated guidelines for business establishments and employees allowed to work under the ECQ and GCQ.
Based on the Memorandum Circular, those below 21 years-old and above 60 years-old, individuals with immunodeficiency, comorbidities, and pregnant women are now considered as authorized persons outside residence (APOR) provided that they go out with the purpose of going to work.
The said individuals must present company and IATF IDs, and must be working under the categories of the omnibus guidelines. Employees allowed to return to work are those in food and beverage manufacturing, farm-input, medicine, and construction work. Also included are employees of establishments in food, retail, media, hotels and similar establishments accommodating guests with existing booking accommodations for foreigners as of May 1 (for outside Luzon), distressed OFWs, stranded Filipinos and foreign nationals, repatriated OFWs, health care workers, and non-OFWs “required to undergo mandatory facility-based quarantine.”
The DTI has also permitted those in hospital, logistics, delivery, gasoline, waste disposal and collection, building utility, electricity, water, and telecommunication services. Those in shipping, airline, export, and BPO industries were also included but on a strict condition.
Aside from business establishments and related activities earlier allowed in areas under GCQ, higher learning institutions like universities, colleges, and extension schools facilitating student credentials have also been permitted, provided the minimum health standard protocols of the DOH are followed. – Report from Cleizl Pardilla
