The Department of Trade and Industry has relaxed effective today, Thursday, the control measures in the operation of malls and commercial centers but with strict compliance to the health and safety protocols.
DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez issued Memorandum Order C No. 20-55 on Easing of Control Measures in Malls and Commercial Centers Upon Strict Implementation of the Seven Commandments allowing malls and commercial centers to set/regulated air conditioning temperature lower than the 24 degrees centigrade, turn on free WiFi for customers, and, conduct mall-wide sales promotion activities and marketing events, subject to strict physical distancing and usual promo permit by the DTI Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau.
As approved by the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF), persons between 15 years old and 65 years old are allowed to go out of their residences, including going to malls, subject to strict compliance with the minimum health standards and the 7 Commandments.
The 7 Commandments are wearing of proper face masks, wearing of face shields, no talking and no eating in public transportation, confined and crowded places, adequate ventilation, frequent and proper disinfection, isolation of symptomatic or COVID-19 positives, and appropriate physical distancing.
In easing the control measures for these commercial centers, the DTI MC cited the results of the Pulse Asia Survey commissioned by the National Economic Development Authority, which showed that 39 percent of Filipinos want government to balance the COVID-19 and the economy and 20 percent of Filipinos saying that government should focus more on opening up the economy.
The DTI shall continue its strict compliance monitoring. Inspection by the Departments of Labor and Employment, Health and the local government units may also be conducted at any time.