As the economy continues to cope with the effects of the pandemic, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go urged employers to implement alternative work arrangements and strictly enforce necessary health and safety protocols in the workplace to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) virus.
Go encouraged employers, both in the public and private sectors, to further develop work guidelines that take into account the needs of employees and the risks of transmitting Covid-19 that physical work may entail.
“We must live with the realities of the pandemic. Crucial sa new normal ang pagkakaroon ng sapat na safeguards laban sa sakit sa pang-araw-araw nating pamumuhay (It is crucial under the new normal to have safeguards that would enable us to fight the virus in our everyday lives),” he said in a news release on Friday.
He reminded everyone to always observe social distancing, wash hands frequently, and practice respiratory etiquette by wearing face masks and shields at all times.
“In addition, maintain hygiene measures for frequently touched surfaces, equipment, and tools and, most importantly, quickly identify and isolate workers with Covid-19 symptoms to stop further transmission,” he added.
Go also asked employers to provide individualized alternative work arrangements to further mitigate the risk of an outbreak in workplaces.
Such arrangements may include allowing employees to work remotely, fulfilling scheduled hours through non-standard work schedules, or adjusting the arrival and departure times to minimize exposure.
He also agreed with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) that there is a need to strictly enforce guidelines in workplaces.
Particularly, the DTI cited the “no talking, no eating” rule, or avoiding conversation and consumption of food in confined areas, which is the least-observed health protocol.
Free masks
Meanwhile, Go reiterated his appeal to the government to distribute more free masks in areas frequented by people to ensure compliance and the safety of the community while allowing businesses to thrive.
He acknowledged that many families hit hard by the crisis do not have sufficient resources to buy masks.
“Inoobliga natin silang magsuot ng face masks kahit halos wala na nga silang pambili ng pagkain. Uunahin siyempre nila ang bumili ng pagkain kaysa bumili ng mask (We oblige them to wear masks even if their resources are just enough for their needs. They will prioritize food instead of masks),” he said.
Following his initial appeal in August 2020, a program was launched in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to strictly enforce minimum health standards and provide free masks to vulnerable sectors that include households with senior citizens, pregnant women, persons with special health conditions, and beneficiaries of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
The DTI data showed that as of April 15, 2021, the project has produced and distributed more than 30.8 million free reusable masks.
About 16.2 million are currently undergoing production, procurement, and post-qualification or delivery processes.
Of the initial figure, 13.7 million masks were provided to SAP and 4Ps beneficiaries in the National Capital Region, Calabarzon, Central Visayas, Western Visayas, the Davao Region, and Central Luzon.
With his renewed appeal, Go called on the public to patronize and support the local industry, particularly the sewers and suppliers of raw materials.
He also urged the DTI and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to support and train local manufacturers who can produce standard masks that pass health specifications.
“Government must prioritize buying locally-made masks to save jobs and provide it to those who cannot afford to buy their own masks to help save lives. If we continue to strengthen the local production of masks, we will be providing a livelihood for those who lost their jobs and at the same time, we can protect our countrymen from Covid-19,” Go said. (PNA)
