NCR manufacturing, retail, service shops to remain open amid COVID-19 quarantine

As the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines continues to rise, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued guidelines on which establishments must remain open and which ones have to temporarily close during the community quarantine in Metro Manila.

All manufacturing, retail, and service establishments shall remain operational while practicing social distancing measures and flexible work arrangements, based on the memorandum circular signed by DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez on March 15.

Retail stores, for example, can only let in a certain number of customers depending on the size of their shop. One square meter shall be reserved for every customer to avoid overcrowding.

Online delivery platforms within Metro Manila shall likewise be allowed to encourage customers to opt for online shopping instead of going to physical stores.

While operational, these firms are prohibited from holding general assemblies, large meetings, and other outdoor activities that would gather large crowds.

Meanwhile, mall operations shall be limited to businesses offering basic necessities such as grocery stores, banks, pharmacies, health clinics, bookstores, and hardware stores.

Restaurants and food stalls may remain open but shall only offer take-out and delivery services.

Business process outsourcing (BPOs) offices inside malls may also be allowed to continue operations.

Companies engaged in construction, manufacturing, and services are also encouraged to provide temporary housing for their employees who reside outside Metro Manila.

On the other hand, closure for one month until April 14 is ordered for business establishments offering leisure and entertainment.

Included are night clubs, bars, galleries, concert areas, theaters, casinos, bingo halls, video gaming centers, and the like.

Provision of gambling services such as lotteries and off-track betting is likewise prohibited.

DTI reminded lessors and owners of business spaces that it is their responsibility to waive the rental fees and charges of estabilshments that will be affected by the one-month closure due to the community quarantine. -NB, GMA News