As the country faces a spike in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases, Malacañang has issued a new memorandum circular (MC) laying down the requirements and procedures for reducing the on-site workforce in government offices below the minimum that was set under the Alert Level System (ALS).
Signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Friday, Jan. 7, MC 94 states that the head of an agency or instrumentality who is considering the reduction of its on-site workforce must first request for clearance to do so.
The request must state the duration of such measure and must be supported by verified data.
No reduction of on-site workforce or closure of office shall be implemented until such a clearance is obtained from the head of the department exercising control or supervision over it.
In case the office is not under any department, it shall submit its request for clearance to the Office of the President (OP).
The reduction of the on-site workforce below the minimum shall be the last resort. Undertaking this measure merely to conduct disinfection of premises will not be allowed. Disinfection must be undertaken after office hours or on weekends.
"The reduction of on-site workforce below the minimum provided in the Alert Level System and the temporary close of premises shall be regarded as extreme measures, reserved for situations where the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace has become overwhelming and unmanageable," MC 94 read.
Agencies or instrumentalities implementing the reduced on-site workforce must have people manning hotlines to respond to immediate concerns.
Under Alert Level 4, government agencies will remain fully operational with at least 20 percent on-site capacity for workers; at least 30 percent on-site capacity for Alert Level 3; and at least 50 percent on-site capacity for Alert Level 2.