THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) concurs with the request of the business community for a phased or partial lifting of the enhanced community quarantine but only for essential industries like food and medicines.
DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez at the Laging Handa press briefing yesterday said a gradual return to business by middle of April could be considered for those in agriculture and manufacturers of food, hygiene products, medical products as well as their suppliers like raw material and packaging.
But he said workers in these industries would still be asked to observe quarantine protocols like social distancing and temperature check.
“We’ve been talking to the business community, and they themselves are saying to be cautious about total lifting. The right term is modified, phased or gradual lifting,” Lopez said.
Lopez noted the need for business to resume so workers can go back to work.
“People are still scared of total lifting of the quarantine as this would encourage mass gatherings like big events, theater and concert (performances)… crowded places… our kababayans have to follow the new norm, social distancing,” Lopez said.
“This is not business as usual…,” he added.
