DTI Chief Says Non-Essential Businesses Opening On Gradual Basis
MODIFIED ECQ – Under the modified Enhanced Community Quarantine, non-essential businesses would be opening gradually.
Back on March 17, Luzon was placed under an enhanced community quarantine. As such, businesses that were allowed to open were only essential ones. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and delivery services were among those allowed to operate.
But, after almost two months, some areas of the Philippines have begun to ease quarantine restrictions. In lieu of this, some non-essential businesses would be allowed to operate in areas under a modified ECQ (MECQ).
Moreover, public transportation and aviation have also begun to reopen with strict health protocols imposed. Additionally, only places under a General Community Quarantine are allowed to have domestic flights.
However, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez stated that this would be done gradually. According to an article from GMA, Lopez said President Duterte wants the businesses to open while strictly observing health protocols.
Mag-allow na rin tayo ng ilan pang naiwan na mga sarado na mga business operations at unti-unti na sila mabuksan kaya meron kami ngayong nilista na proposed na at least to allow partial operation
As per the article, Lopez said that businesses such as manufacturing and processing would be prioritized. Moreover, the Trade Secretary said these businesses would be allowed to resume half of its operations.
Additionally, employees of these industries must undergo testing for COVID-19 to be shouldered by their health insurance.
Following May 15, some areas in the Philippines would be transitioning from an ECQ to a General Community Quarantine (GCQ). However, areas such as Cebu, National Capital Region, and Laguna would observe a MECQ until the end of May.
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