Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 29) – The Department of Trade and Industry intends to reopen more businesses in a limited capacity by August 1 amid the still rising COVID-19 cases in the country.
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez revealed on Tuesday they will recommend to the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) the gradual reopening of testing centers, gyms, and computer shops in areas under general community quarantine.
Also other businesses that Lopez will recommend for a gradual reopening in GCQ areas are personal grooming (hair, nail, skincare except for full body massage) and aesthetic services and pet grooming shops.
All of these establishments are currently listed under Category 4, which are prohibited to open.
Lopez added the DTI’s recommendation calls for these establishments to operate in a 30 percent capacity, upgrading them to Category 3.
The Trade Secretary shared they want to partially open computer shops for educational reasons.
“These places can be used for online learning because we are looking into alternative learning mechanics. This is an option that makes Internet connection accessible,” said Lopez, noting the department’s response to the government’s promotion of alternative learning methods amid the prohibition of traditional face-to-face sessions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lopez also said that in their proposal to reopen testing or review centers, only a maximum of 10 seats will be allowed inside the room. Other minimum health standards that will be observed in these tutorial centers are required wearing of face mask inside the room, more than one-meter distance between chairs, and frequent sanitation of rooms.
