DTI sees 80% of workers back to work under MECQ on May 16
Almost 80 percent of employees would be returning to work under the Modified Community Quarantine (MECQ) as manufacturing firms will be allowed to partially open after May 15, according to Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez.
Lopez said his agency has already submitted for confirmation to the Inter Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases a list of specific manufacturing operations that will be added to those already allowed to operate under the Expanded Community Quarantine (ECQ).
“We endorsed basically partial operations (50 percent) of other manufacturing that are not operating under ECQ, they can be partially operating. Other services, professionals like accounting architectural legal can start operating partially,” Lopez said.
Under the ECQ, construction, labor intensive manufacturing, services, food and other essentials manufacturing, exporters and BPOs are already allowed in ECQ areas. Around 50-60 percent of work were allowed under ECQ.
With the opening of more industries under MECQ, Lopez estimated an additional 18 percent for a total of 75-78 percent allowed to go back to work. Metro Manila, Laguna and Cebu City are under MECQ while the rest of the country are placed under General Community Quarantine (GCQ).
The MECQ is a bit relaxed kind of quarantine compared to the ECQ, which is practically a lockdown. Under the general MECQ rules, limited movement of people to get essential services and to go to work is allowed. It also allows gradual reopening of the economy with select manufacturing and processing plants up to a maximum of 50 percent capacity.
There would be limited transportation services for essential goods and services, and limited transportation for those going to work and for essential services. Classes are still suspended in all levels
Under the GCQ, there will be limited movements but government and almost all industries will be allowed to operate up to 75 percent except amusement and those with mass gatherings. Limited transport services with social distancing is allowed. For schools, flexible learning will be allowed but without face-toface learning
Prior to the new quarantine classifications, Lopez already said that the best hygiene and health measures practiced among leading export companies should be the new protocol in business operations as the country prepares for the postECQ scenario.
“Minimum health standards such as strict social distancing, wearing of face masks, presence of sanitation stations, taking of body temperature, and provision of vitamins must always be observed in work and public places," Lopez said.