200K workers back to work –DTI

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said between 100,000 to 200,000 workers are going back to work with the further easing of restrictions in the National Capital Region and other areas in the country to Alert Level 2 since Feb. 1.

DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said more workers are able to return to work because establishments are now allowed to operate at additional 20 percent capacity. For instance, restaurants are now allowed up to 70 percent capacity from 50 percent for outdoor dine-in and 50 percent from 30 percent for indoor dine-in.

If an establishment has a Safety Seal certification, it is also entitled to additional 10 percent operating capacity.

Based on DTI estimates the further easing of restrictions has paved the way for 100,000 to 200,000 workers to return to their posts.

Aside from higher operating capacities for business establishments, the implementation of the "no vaccination, no ride" policy barring unvaccinated people in Metro Manila from boarding public transport was also suspended.

Aside from NCR, seven provinces back under Alert Level 2 from February 1 to 15. Other areas placed under Alert Level 2 are Batanes, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, Biliran, Southern Leyte, and Basilan.

Alert Level 2 is the second lowest in the new alert level system.

Under Alert Levels 2 and 3, intrazonal and interzonal travel will be allowed subject to reasonable restrictions as may be determined by local government units.

Business establishments allowed to open include contact sports, except those conducted under a bubble-type setup; funfairs and kid amusement industries; venues with live voice or wind-instrument performers and audiences; casinos, horse racing, cockfighting and operation of cockpits, lottery and betting shops, and other gaming establishments except as may be specified by the IATF.