The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will release tomorrow or on Friday new guidelines for companies in response to the COVID-19 situation.
The fresh set protocols will include clarification on when an office lockdown should be implemented and guidelines on the placement of isolation facilities for each office.
“Like ‘yan, kung isa ‘di naman ila-lockdown lahat. Pero kung more than 5 in one area something na, i-lockdown iyong floor, building, o iyong kalye kung kalat in that area (If there is one [case], there is no need to lockdown everything. But if there are more than 5 [cases] in one area or something, there may be a need to lockdown the floor, building, or street if the infection has spread),” DTI Sec. Ramon Lopez clarified.
The DTI said it will ensure that companies will abide by the protocols.
Meanwhile, latest data from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) show that there are 7,977 government employees who are confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 177 government agencies placed under lockdown.
At the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) alone, the number of personnel with COVID-19 ballooned to 600 on Wednesday.
The CSC learned that some agencies fall short in their adherence to protocols to protect their employees. The CSC has urged managements to properly look after their own workers.
“As we serve the public, let us take good care of our employees under our care,” CSC Commissioner Aileen Lizada reminded.
– Report from Naomi Tiburcio
