PHILIPPINE government’s COVID-19 task force has ordered the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to “gradually” re-categorize industries as the country eases restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus.
According to the resolution passed by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on Thursday, the DTI could gradually re-categorize industries from Category IV to Category III “as may be deemed necessary” in areas under general community quarantine.
For the task, the DTI will be assisted by the Department of Finance, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Tourism in the review.
Category III industries include financial services, legal and accounting, and auditing services, professional, scientific, technical, and other non-leisure services, barbershops and salons, and other non-leisure wholesale and retail establishments.
“The resumption of, or gradual increase in operating capacity, and continued operations of Category III industries shall be subject to their proprietors’ compliance with the proper health protocols set by the DTI,” the resolution stated.
“Further, their compliance shall be assessed through a post-audit mechanism which shall be led by the DTI, DOH [Department of Health], LGU [local government unit] health office and/or other deputized organizations.”
Establishments under Category IV include amusement, gaming, gyms and other fitness facilities, libraries, archives, museums, cultural centers, cinemas, theaters, karaoke bars, tourism, travel agencies as well as those in the kids industry.
Category IV industries may not operate in GCQ areas, the IATF said.
Also, the IATF authorized the DTI to issue a negative list of industries, which shall remain prohibited even in areas under modified general community quarantine.
“These recent actions of the IATF are in compliance with the directive to ensure the increase of the capacities of the business sector vis-à-vis available transportation to revitalize the economy in Metro Manila and Region IV-A,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.(GMA News)
