The Department of Health published a bunch of Interim Guidelines for 2019-nCoV ARD Response (Click Here) and Public Advisories (Another Helpful Link), including the Interim Guidelines for 2019-nCoV ARD Response in Workplaces. The Guidelines provide the necessary steps to prevent and mitigate the possible transmission of 2019-nCoV ARD in workplaces. (Website)The employer shall take the general precautionary measures specified under the Interim Guidelines, including but not limited to cleaning frequently-touched surfaces and objects; maintaining the environment clean, especially common-use areas and those with touchpoints; and providing dispensers with alcohol-based hand rub in public areas. If a worker is suspected of having 2019-nCoV ARD, the employer shall provide the worker with a face mask, immediately isolate the worker in a separate well-ventilated room, refer the worker to the company healthcare provider or the nearest hospital, and decontaminate the work area with appropriate disinfectant.
On April 30, 2020, the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Trade and Industry published the Interim Guidelines On Workplace Prevention And Control Of COVID-19 (See Here). The Interim Guideline specifies the safety and health requirements for the workplaces to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, including increasing physical and mental resilience, reducing the transmission of COVID-19, minimizing contact rate, and reducing the risk of infection from COVID-19.
On May 4, 2020, the Minimum Health System Capacity Standards for COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Strategies was published. The Order defines the minimum health system capacity standards for COVID-19 preparedness and response strategies as guidance for sectoral and local planning.
On May 11, 2020, the Department of Labor and Employment published the Interim Guidelines on the Return-to-Work. The employers shall comply with the guideline on the COVID-19 prevention measures, such as developing a work arrangement to reduce the number of people in the workspace and reduce the need to travel, including work from home arrangements.
The Department of Labor and Employment published a Labor Advisory to assist and guide employers and employees in the implementation of various flexible work arrangements during the COVID-19 outbreak period (See Here). Employers are encouraged to adopt flexible work arrangements, such as reducing workhours and workdays.
On March 23, 2020, the Congress of the Philippines issued an Act to declare the existence of a national emergency arising from COVID-19 (See Here). Starting from March 24, 2020, the entry of foreign nationals to the Philippines by flights is restricted (See Here).
Employers should continue to check with relevant authorities for the latest information:
– Department of Health (Government Website)