NATIONWIDE ROUND-UP

Gov’t economic team bats for COVID-19 mass testing

THE ADMINISTRATION’S economic team is in favor of mass testing to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country and minimize the outbreak’s harm to the economy. —

OCD to lead management of donated medical supplies, equipment

THE PALACE on Thursday released an order for the management and distribution of donated medical supplies and equipment as the country battles the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). —

Senate, DSWD working out emergency subsidy program details

THE SENATE will coordinate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to thresh out the details of the Emergency Subsidy Program’s implementation, including whether assistance packages will be distributed fully in cash or combined with basic commodities. —

DTI clarifies special measures for senior citizens

THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) has clarified that their advisory for supermarkets and pharmacies to prioritize senior citizens is not intended to encourage the vulnerable sector to leave their homes amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.—Jenina

P. Ibañez OFWs arriving in Japan to undergo 14-day quarantine

OVERSEAS Filipino Workers (OFWs) arriving in Japan will have to undergo a 14-day quarantine period and will not be allowed to use public transport upon entry, according to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). —

Employers allowed to defer holiday pay for April 9–11

EMPLOYERS are permitted to defer the holiday pay to their workers for April 9–11, which are declared non-working days in observance of the Catholic Holy Week, as the country is placed under a state of calamity due to the coronavirus disease 2019. —