The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has urged establishments to strict comply with the 7 Commandments, a set of health and safety protocols, as the government further relaxes quarantine restrictions in the country.
The minimum health protocols known as the 7 Commandments include wearing of proper face masks; wearing of face shields; no talking and no eating in public transportation and similar setting like confined areas and crowded places; adequate ventilation (use of exhaust systems, air purifiers or keeping windows partially open); frequent and disinfection; isolation of symptomatic or COVID-19 positives; and appropriate physical distancing.
“We strongly urge our people to strictly observe the Seven Commandments. These are essential in regaining public confidence in our ability to contain COVID-19 while opening up our economy, and thereby minimize the suffering of our people from the pandemic,” said Francis Ed Lim, president of the Management Association of the Philippines.
In a statement, Lim commended the Department of Trade and Industry for further easing the control measures in mall and other commercial centers, allowing up to 100 percent operating capacities of establishments and expanding the group of people to ages 15 to 65 years who can now go out of their residences to help stimulate the economy.
These initiatives are concrete response to the clamor of 39 percent of people that government should balance the needs of COVID-19 with the economy, particularly in the National Capital Region. “It is a bold step intended to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on our economy, which is estimated to lose Php6 Billion daily even with the easing of community quarantine for most parts of the country,” Lim said.
MAP also commended the DTI for adopting the recommendation of the private sector to put in place the 7 Commandments for health and safety standards and protocols, which are considered the most comprehensive in the world.
On Sunday, the Department of Trade and Industry further liberalizes the operating capacities of business establishments under Categories III in areas placed under general community quarantine and modified GCQ are now allowed to operate at 75 percent and 100 percent, respectively, as the government continues to open the economy.
Memorandum Circular No. 20-57 series of 2020 of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) stated that 8 specific economic activities are allowed to increase their operating capacities beginning today.
These activities are testing, tutorial and review centers; gym, fitness centers, and sports facilities; internet cafés; dermatological clinics offering aesthetic procedures; other personal care services including full body massage; pet grooming services; drive-in cinemas; and travel agencies, tour operators, reservation service and related activities.
The easing of restrictions for these business establishments is conditioned on their compliance with the minimum public health and safety standards and protocols set by the government particularly relevant issuances of the Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment, DTI, among others.