More businesses allowed to reopen in capital region
MORE industries will be allowed to reopen under a modified lockdown in Metro Manila, including those that make alcoholic beverages, tobacco, electrical machinery, wood products and furniture, the presidential palace said on Wednesday.
Also allowed to operate again are companies that make nonmetallic products, textiles, clothing, paper, rubber, plastics, coke and petroleum products, presidential spokesman Harry L. Roque said at a briefing.
Also allowed to reopen are factories that make non-metallic mineral products, computer, electronic and optical products, electrical equipment, machinery, motor vehicles, trailers and other transport equipment.
“These industries are now allowed,” Mr. Roque said in Filipino. “Since they are allowed in areas under a modified enhanced community quarantine, they are also allowed in areas under general community quarantine,” he added.
Meanwhile, office administration and other support services, financial services such as money exchange, insurance and non compulsory pension funds, management consulting such as legal and accounting services, architecture and engineering services, technical testing and analysis, advertising and market research must limit their workers to 50% on site and the other half at home.
The same applies to companies in computer programming, publishing and printing, film, music and TV production, photography, fashion, industrial, graphic and interior design, wholesale and retail trade of motor vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles, rental and leasing services except for real estate, and repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles.
Malls and other businesses in areas under a modified lockdown such as Metro Manila may reopen with a 50% skeletal workforce. These include hardware stores; clothing and accessories, mall-based government frontline services, bookstores, baby care supplies stores, pet, food, and pet care supplies, information technology, communications, and electronic equipment, flower, jewelry, novelty, antique, perfume and toy shops.
The palace said wearing face masks, regular sanitation and hygiene practices would be required. Social distancing must also be observed. — Gillian M. Cortez
