DOLE, DTI ink joint memo on COVID-19 prevention in workplaces
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) signed the new health protocols specified in the Joint Memorandum Circular No. (JMC) No. 20-04, Supplemental Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Private sector employers are instructed to provide shuttle service to their workers who, in turn, are required to wear face masks and face shields and prohibited from talking while inside the company’s vehicle. Companies with total assets above P15 million are also enjoined to provide shuttle service to their employees.
The JMC is requiring all workplaces to have disinfecting/washing resources, supplies/materials such as hand washing stations, soap and sanitizers, and hand drying equipment or supplies (e.g. single use paper towel).
For employees, they are required to accomplish the Health Declaration Form (Annex A-1), or any digital iteration thereof, upon entering the building premises/workplaces. The security staff or other responsible personnel shall immediately screen the accomplished form and perform a temperature check.
Also, employers are encouraged to collaborate with the national and/or local government testing efforts like drive-thru or walk-thru testing facilities.
