DTI orders limited mall operations in Metro Manila due to coronavirus

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has ordered that mall operations in Metro Manila be temporarily limited to establishments offering basic necessities amid the growing concerns on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“With the declaration of general community quarantine, mall operations shall be limited to establishments offering basic necessities such as groceries and supermarkets, banks, pharmacies, health clinics, bookstores, hardware stores, food stalls (take out/delivery only),” the department said in a memorandum released to the media on Monday.

Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs) offices inside malls are likewise allowed to operate, according to DTI.

Before the directive from the DTI came out, some large mall operators, including Ayala Malls, SM Supermalls, and Robinsons Malls, have already announced that their malls in Metro Manila would be closed except for establishments offering basic services.

Meanwhile, businesses offering leisure and entertainment, which attracts crowds confined in a specific area are “prohibited from operating” during the metro-wide community quarantine, which took effect on Sunday and will end on April 14.

The DTI said these places of amusement that serve alcoholic beverages including night clubs and bars; arts, entertainment, and recreation activities such as live performances, events or exhibits intended for public viewing, art galleries, concerts, and opera or dance production, operation of concert and theater halls and other arts.

Gambling facilities such as casinos, bingo halls, and video gaming terminals, as well as gambling services such as lotteries and off-track betting are also covered by the one-month closure.

Lessors and owners of business spaces should waive the corresponding rental fees and charges of stores that were closed during the implementation of community quarantine, according to DTI.

Enumerating general guidelines, the DTI said all manufacturing, retail and service establishments will remain in operation during the period of the community quarantine “subject to certain restrictions, social distancing, and other safety and health measures.”

“Flexible work agreements referred to under Labor Advisory No. 09 series of 2020, including, but not limited to other work arrangements, such as telecommuting, work from home, reduction of work days/hours, rotation of workers and forced leave, are hereby reiterated and highly encouraged in establishments that continue to operate,” the DTI noted.

The DTI, however, said that all establishments are restricted from holding mass gatherings including general assemblies, large meetings or conferences, outdoor events that attract large crowds and “non-essential” work-related gatherings.

EDV