The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) have released guidelines for workers set to return to work under the general community quarantine (GCQ).
Based on the guidelines, private companies are obliged to observe minimum health standards, remind workers to boost mental and physical health, impose social distancing measures, conduct decontamination, strengthen health insurance, provide protective equipment, and give face masks to workers which can only be removed when eating or drinking.
Workers are required to accomplish a health checklist by the DTI and DOLE to be submitted to the company’s safety officers or guards before entering the establishment. Those with temperature higher than 37.5 degrees Celsius showing COVID-19 symptoms are not allowed to enter the establishment and must be brought to a clinic with clinical staff required to wear PPE.
Those without fever are allowed but must be sanitized and must pass through disinfectant footbath. Workers who are unwell but not of COVID-19 must rest and seek medical assistance.
In case employees with COVID-19 symptoms have entered the facility, they must be isolated, brought to hospitals, and be tested. Persons they have in contact with must also undergo 14-day home quarantine.
Cars and equipment must also undergo disinfection prior to entry. Objects often contacted by workers such as doorknobs are needed to be cleaned every two hours. Comfort rooms must have water and soap, while areas such as elevators must have sanitizers.
Two persons at a time are allowed to use the stairs while those in elevators must observe a one-meter distance.
Meanwhile, the DOLE advises shifting, rotation, and work from home arrangements. A limited number of workers during meetings and use of videoconferencing are also suggested. Private companies are also encouraged to provide transportation and accommodation to employees, establish a COVID hotline, and hire workers within the area.
Workers in high-risk areas such as healthcare facilities are instructed to follow Interim Guidelines on Healthcare of the DOH.
The DOLE has allowed companies to conduct testing if they handle it and is DOH-verified. The DOLE and DTI also asked for a monthly report on workers with illnesses. The government assured it is ready to support to companies and its workers.
