DTI relaxes control measures on malls

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Thursday eased some control measures over shopping malls and commercial centers, a move seen as part of efforts to encourage consumption and spending and help the Philippine economy rebound from the coronavirus pandemic.

In its Memorandum Circular 20-55, the Trade department said these establishments would now be allowed to hold mall-wide sales promotion activities and marketing events, but still subject to strict physical distancing protocols and the DTI-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) sales promo permit rules.

Malls and commercial centers are also allowed to set or regulate their air-conditioning temperature to below 24 degrees centigrade from the previous limit of 26 degrees and turn on their free WiFi internet for customers.

The circular also said that, as approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, persons between 12 and 65 years old are allowed to leave home, as long as they comply with minimum health protocols.

The DTI emphasized, however, that local government units still have the authority to impose a higher age limit for minors, depending on the coronavirus disease 2019 status in their respective areas.

The so-called seven commandments shall be strictly implemented as a condition to ease the control measures for mall and commercial center operators. These are wearing of proper face masks; wearing of face shields; no talking and no eating (in public transportation and similar setting like confined areas and crowded places); adequate ventilation; frequent and proper disinfection; symptomatic or Covid-19 positives must be isolated; and appropriate physical distancing.

“The DTI, through the FTEB and regional or provincial offices, shall continue its strict
compliance monitoring through its post-audit mechanism. Inspection by the DoLE (Department of Labor and Employment), DoH (Department of Health), and the LGU’s health office may also be conducted at any time,” the Trade department said.

The latest circular comes almost a week after the DTI announced that it allowed travel agencies, tour operators, and related businesses and services to resume operations at different capacities, depending on their location.

Those under general community quarantine (GCQ) can reopen at half their capacity and those under modified GCQ can resume operations at full capacity, subject to minimum public health and safety standards and protocols, according to a circular from the department.

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Article and Photo originally posted by The Manila Times last October 23, 2020 and written by Anna Leah E. Gonzales.