Gov’t allows certain public, private construction works during ECQ

The government has allowed certain construction works in areas under enhanced community quarantine provided it is for health infrastructure, emergency repairs, disaster risk reduction, among others.

During the Laging Handa public briefing, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the government’s task force on COVID-19 response has amended the omnibus guidelines for the implementation of quarantine in the Philippines to allow infrastructure projects to resume.

“Puwede na po ang private and public construction projects, infrastructure projects sa mga ECQ,” Roque said.

Construction works allowed are isolation facilities for persons under monitoring, suspect, and confirmed COVID-19 patients; facilities for construction personnel who perform emergency works; facilities for flood control and other risk reduction and rehabilitation programs; sewerage projects; water service projects; and digital works.

The Palace official said that priority public and private infrastructure projects related to food production, agriculture, fishery, fish port development, energy, housing, communication, water facilities, manufacturing, and BPO shall be allowed.

“Construction workers na accredited by DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) ay puwede na ring pumunta sa lugar na kanilang pinagtatrabahuhan,” he said.

Under the previous guidelines, construction works allowed under ECQ are those for isolation and health facilities, emergency works, flood control, and disaster risk reduction.

Roque noted that construction works allowed for both ECQ and GCQ shall comply with health standards to prevent further spread of COVID-19. —KG, GMA News