As he agrees staying in general community quarantine (GCQ) until the end of the year is the perfect balance between health and economy, Secretary Ramon Lopez of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is now proposing staggered work schedules of workers to ease transportation woes.
At the Laging Handa public briefing yesterday, Lopez also said 95 percent of all establishments now have been allowed to operate even under a GCQ status, leaving out only entertainment like cinemas and live performances as well as non-economic sectors restricted.
Lopez said a memorandum circular will be issued this week to implement shifting of workers – some starting at 7 , 8 , 9 or even 11 in the morning – so transportation going to and from work will not be crowded.
This even as capacities and routes of public transportation are being expanded.
Lopez clarified though that work-from-home arrangements will continue to be encouraged.
Lopez said depending on local government units (LGUs), curfew hours will also be shortened and adjusted to 12 midnight to 4 a.m. from the current 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
With this, Lopez said malls will be able to hold sale events and adjust their operating hours.
Lopez reiterated an earlier pronouncement that even without shifting to modified general community quarantine, government can slowly open more businesses without sacrificing the health and safety of Filipinos.
