ILOILO City – Government agencies and private firms have been directed to operate with up to 50 percent of their total workforce on-site during the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in the city.
In his Executive Order (EO) No. 149-A, Mayor Jerry Treñas laid down the work arrangements government and private offices should observe to ensure continuous delivery of services while observing community quarantine guidelines.
Treñas’ latest directive defined operational capacity as the number of employees who can be permitted or required to physically report to work on-site.
Skeleton workforce, on the other hand, refers to the operational capacity that utilizes the smallest number of people needed for an agency to perform its function.
Also included in the mayor’s EO is an alternative work arrangement for employees over 60 years old, those with comorbidities and immunodeficiencies and other health risks, and pregnant women.
Treñas also ordered the temporary closure of courts within the city, citing the Supreme Court’s protocols under Administrative Circular No. 39-2020, which apply to all courts and proceedings in areas under MECQ.
Treñas likewise allowed all banks, financial institutions, among other establishments – both public and private – to operate at 100 percent capacity, provided that banking hours shall only be until 1p.m.
Mass public transport, on the other hand, is allowed to continue but they have to observe memorandums on physical distancing (one seat apart), “no mask, no face shield, no ride policy” and other safety protocols issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
These additional protocols took effect around 12 noon of Sept. 24 (until 11:59 a.m. of Oct. 9).
In placing the city under MECQ status, the city COVID-19 Team cited the rising cases of the viral infections penetrating several barangays here and even the city hall.
Treñas previously issued Executive Order No. 149 which amended some provisions of EO No. 140. The 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew and liquor ban were being imposed.
He also ordered that pregnant women, persons with comorbidities, immuno-deficiencies and other risk factor; and other persons with disabilities; immuno-compromised individuals should stay at home, except to access food, medicines, and other essentials, seek medical or clinical care; or to go to the hospital; or see medical consultation, care and intervention.
The following are also prohibited:
* barbershops and salons and other establishments offering personal care and aesthetic procedures and services
* gyms and fitness studios (including sports facilities)
* testing and tutorial services
* review center
* internet cafes, provided that the computer and internet services will be used strictly for educational purposes or for work only
* drive in cinemas
* pet grooming services
* language driving, acting/dance/voice schools
* entertainment industries
* libraries, archives, museums, and cultural centers
* tourist destinations
* travel agencies , tour operators, reservation services and related activities
* tattoo and body piercing; and
* other forms of unauthorized public gatherings
Treñas recommended the seven-day suspension of flights for locally stranded individuals and returning overseas Filipinos effective Sept. 26.
“This will give us time to attend to the rising cases,” the mayor said.
But he does not want border controls.
“We do not want business establishments to be so much affected and also the Boracay resorts which are already opening,” he added./PN
