Trade Chief bats for TITT system as gov’t eases up community quarantine to prevent economic collapse

Balai Dako in Tagaytay following enhanced health protocol from DOLE-DTI preparing for the “new normal”
Photo by THEPHILBIZNEWS

By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios

With the decision of President Duterte to bring back Metro Manila, 4 neighboring provinces to GCQ in order to bring back more jobs and prevent economic collapse, Department of Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez pushed for a more aggressive Contact Tracing to isolate COVID positive and with exposure for the virus to be properly handled within 14 days and not spread it.

Speaking to THEPHILBIZNEWS through Viber, the Trade Chief said, “We should have the GCQ in place now for Metro Manila and other areas that were under the MECQ. This is to ensure that we bring back the jobs and prevent our economy to collapse. Hence, I proposed for stricter granular lockdowns to those affected, to allow other parts of the economy to reopen, but the key is to strengthen contact tracing and isolation. But Granular lockdown entails self-regulation and discipline.”

                                                        DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez/Photo file THEPHILBIZNEWS

Secretary Lopez also wanted to have a system of Trace, Isolate, Test (symptomatic), and Treat (TITT). “The positives and suspects must be traced isolated-tested- treated, until the last one,” Lopez said.

“The mandatory test is only for symptomatic, and to use only the PCR test, not the Rapid Test which is inaccurate. As for the asymptomatic, we encourage to administer the PCR Test even to workers, but not mandatory,” the Trade Chief clarified.

In closing Secretary Lopez pointed out, “The DOLE and DTI have already released stricter Health Protocol for the workplaces and with proper implementation, strict monitoring and self-discipline through adherence we can prevent further spread of coronavirus while maintaining the need to address the concerns of economic survival and keep the jobs.”

Below is the DTI-DOLE Supplemental Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of COVID-19

1. The mandatory use of face masks and face shields in all areas in the workplace shall be strictly observed at all times. Face shields may only be removed according to the demands of the work or when the occupational safety and health of the employees so require.
2. Medium- and large-sized establishments are enjoined to provide shuttle services for the employees. Signages on the reminder of minimum health protocols must also be put in place. The enforcement of minimum health protocols (e.g. wearing of face masks and face shields, observance of physical distancing), avoidance of talking and eating unless necessary, and the proper disinfection of shuttle services must be strictly adhered to.
3. Dining in canteens may only be allowed if employees comply with at least one-meter physical distancing or if physical barriers are put in place. Staggered meal schedules shall be adopted. Eating at workstations for employees is also highly encouraged.
4. Designated smoking areas shall be provided with individual “booths”. Employers shall require employees to observe strict physical distancing and other applicable health protocols (e.g. no talking inside designated smoking areas).
5. Medium and large-sized private companies and establishments with multiple tenants are mandated to designate an isolation area of one room for every 200 employees, which shall be other than the company clinic, and must be situated near the entrance/s or in a nearby facility. This shall be for employees needing further assessment due to elevated temperature, presence of flu-like symptoms, any yes answer to the Health Declaration, or exposure history to a COVID-19 case or probable case.
   1. Temporary isolation facilities must have good ventilation, chairs, restroom, and adequate PPEs for health personnel and symptomatic patients.
   2. Private establishments unable to establish an isolation area may make arrangements with a temporary treatment and monitoring facility nearby or with the Barangay Local Government Unit, for immediate referral of employees.
6. Employers shall establish Occupational and Safety Health (OSH) Committees to oversee the enforcement and monitoring of the minimum public health standards and the proper implementation of the JMC.
   1. For two (2) or more private establishments housed under the same building, a joint OSH Committee shall also be established. They may share resources for a successful implementation of a comprehensive OSH Program, including a COVID-19 Prevention and Control Program.
7. RT-PCR or antibody-based tests is not recommended nor required for asymptomatic employees returning to work.
8. The following priority workers in these sectors may undergo RT-PCR testing
   1. Hospitality and tourist sectors – once every four (4) weeks;
   2. Manufacturing companies and public service providers in economic zones located within Special Concern Areas – once every quarter;
   3. Frontline and economic priority workers (or those who 1) work in high-priority sectors, both public and private, 2) have high interaction with and exposure to the public, and 3) live or work in Special Concern Areas) – once every quarter
9. Employers are highly encouraged to regularly send their employees for testing once every quarter, at no cost to the employees.