Teodoro asks traders: Hire only Marikeños

MANILA, Philippines — Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro has urged businesses in the city reope­ning under the general community quarantine (GCQ) to limit hiring to residents amid lingering fears over the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The measure was one of several drawn up by Teodoro in Executive Order No. 22, or the Health and Safety Standards for Businesses, Industries and Establishments in Marikina, as the GCQ unfolds against the backdrop of rising coronavirus cases in the country.

Recent data suggests Mari­kina has been one of the most successful cities in Metro Manila at curbing the spread of the disease, but the porous nature of borders in the capital makes hi­ring from the local community an important way to “curb the possible importation of COVID-19.”

It will also restrict the movement of workers, according to the EO, particularly as public transportation has yet to begin operating at full force.

Marikina has undertaken one of the most ambitious testing programs for returning workers, shouldering the costs of tests for at least 5,465 tricycle drivers, 4,312 shoe industry workers and 1,600 personnel in other factories.

Nearly 2,000 city hall employees have also been tested for COVID-19. While other cities have shifted the responsibility for testing to the private sector, the city government has made it central to its COVID-19 response, aiming to extend free testing to as many residents as possible.

Under EO No. 22, emplo­yees are required to wear face masks not just in public but in their workplaces as well. Physical distancing of 1 meter will also be enforced, while all establishments are required to conduct temperature checks and regular health checkups.