DTI to require businesses to have own isolation rooms amid COVID-19 threat

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is set to implement new and stricter health protocols for businesses that are allowed to operate amid the community quarantine being implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interviewed on Unang Hirit on Thursday, DIT Secretary Ramon Lopez said that one of the new measures include requiring business establishments to have their own isolation rooms.

“Magre-release po tayo ng panibagong health protocol na magde-detalye nito, siguro by tomorrow. Iki-clear na lang natin sa IATF mamaya,” he said, referring to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases, the government's policy-making body in addressing the COVID-19 problem.

“Ito mga example nito 'yung mga  pagtalaga ng isolation rooms sa mga bawat offices,” Lopez added.

Lopez said businesses can also make arrangements with nearby establishments for their isolation facilities in case a worker tested positive for COVID-19.

“Kung may magpositibo sa kanilang hanay na mga workers ay merong paglalagyan na mga isolation rooms,” he said.

For micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Lopez said they can coordinate with barangay health emergency response teams (BHERTs).

The new health protocol also includes designation of health officers in offices and their training for safety measures in light of the COVID-19 threat, he added. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News