By Rizal Obanil
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Monday reminded retail stores in Metro Manila to ensure that social distancing among its customers and store personnel is practiced.
Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez (ALFRED FRIAS/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Through a memorandum circular, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said: "Retail establishments shall be allowed to operate, provided that the number of people at any given time inside the selling area shall have a density of one person per square meter of unimpeded space."
The memo from DTI cleared up some of the confusion on whether or not establishments will be allowed to operate amid the one-month community quarantine being implemented in the metropolis to arrest the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The DTI likewise reminded retail stores to educate their employees about the contents of memo, as well as other guidelines that the government has put in place regarding social distancing.
Retail store owners were also encouraged to ensure proper sanitation in their elevators and of their shopping carts and baskets.
The government enforced a community quarantine in the whole of Metro Manila starting March 15 and will last until April 14.
The quarantine was imposed to discourage, if not prevent, non-essential travel, as well as mass gatherings which authorities believe increase the chances of further spreading the dreaded disease.