Workplace Health Protocols Reinforcement Called for Amid Rising COVID-19 Cases

As the country breached the 3,000 mark in new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases again, government agencies calls for the reinforcement of health protocols in the workplace to minimize further cases of the virus.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) together with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued a joint advisory Tuesday for the strict implementation of health protocols such as the wearing of face masks and face shields, hand washing, constant disinfecting, and physical distancing in the workplace.

“As we continue to fight Covid-19 and its new variants, employers/contractors/subcontractors and business establishments are hereby reminded to reinforce their strict implementation of minimum public health and safety standards and protocols in the workplace,” according to the joint advisory.

The strict implementation of contact tracing is also called for.

Penalties await companies found to have willfully failing in the implementation, or have shown the refusal to comply with the health and safety protocols.

“Willful failure or refusal to comply with any of the pertinent minimum public health and safety standards and protocols shall be penalized in accordance with Section 29 of DOLE Department Order No. 198, Series of 2018 and other applicable regulations and guidelines,” the advisory added.

the Philippines is now doubling down on the strict implementation of health and safety protocols as COVID-19 cases are now swiftly on the rise in numerous key areas in the country such as Cebu City, Manila City, and parts of Pasay City.

The UK and South African variants of the virus was also recently reported as already infecting people in the country.

Health officials in Cebu has also found a “variant of concern” spreading in Cebu City, though the Department of Health said that they are still studying the possible mutation of the virus in Cebu. (GFB)