COVID-19 info sheets at shops have to be destroyed after 30 days -DTI

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Wednesday said that business establishments are required to destroy after 30 days the data they collect from customers for possible contact tracing efforts.

According to Vonne Aquino’s report on “24 Oras,” part of the “new normal” in salons, barbers, and gyms is filling out contact tracing and health declaration forms prior to entry into the establishments.

The new rule, however, was met with reluctance by some customers who were uncomfortable with disclosing their personal information.

“We understand na pinoproteksyunan nila ang privacy nila, pero it’s also very important na ma-contact sila kung sakaling may madiscover na outbreak o ‘yung infection do’n sa lugar,” Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said during an inspection.

“May protocols din naman tayo sa destruction of data na binibigay. Thirty days lang ‘yon, dapat sirain na nila, i-shred na nila ‘yong papel, or kung digital ‘yung data, meron ding process ng pag-destroy,” she added.

The DTI also warned business owners against violating health protocols.

“Ang mangyayari kasi, ‘pag nakitaan sila na hindi sumusunod sa protocols, they will have to be temporarily shut down para masigurado na magco-comply sila. Until such time, saka lang sila puwede mag-operate,” Castelo said.

Meanwhile, staff at the establishments inspected by the DTI said business has been slow.

“It’s very important that they strictly comply with the protocols para maengganyo ‘yung mga tao na pumasok do’n sa mga negosyo nila,” Castelo urged. -Julia Mari Ornedo/NB, GMA News