Palace to gov’t agencies in GCQ areas: Lower work capacity to 30-50%

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has ordered all government agencies located in general community quarantine (GCQ) areas to reduce their respective operational capacity between 30 and 50 percent from March 22 to April 4 in the wake of the surging number of new COVID-19 cases.

In Memorandum Circular No. 85 signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, a higher capacity can only be observed as needed by agencies providing health and emergency frontline services, border control, and other critical services.

READ: As COVID-19 cases rise, Palace orders gov't agencies in GCQ areas to reduce operational capacity to 30 percent to 50 percent from March 22 to April 4. | @KAguilarINQ pic.twitter.com/jan89J8E2H

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The directive defined operational capacity as the number of employees or workers who are permitted or required to physically report to the office.

“All agencies, including every office and unit therein, shall ensure that the delivery of their respective services are not hampered or impaired,” the memo stressed.

Malacañang also ordered government agencies to get approval from the Office of the President if they are eyeing a temporary closure of premises due to rising COVID-19 cases. This instruction will apply regardless of the community quarantine classification the government offices are located and will remain in effect beyond April 4.

“No closure shall be implemented until such clearance is obtained from the Office of the President,” it said.

Legislative and judicial branches of government, independent constitutional bodies, and local government units in areas under GCQ were also urged to adopt Memorandum Circular No. 85.

The Philippines has tightened its restrictions on mass gatherings and closed anew several businesses following the spike in new COVID-19 cases.

READ: Gov’t suspends operations of cinemas, other businesses as COVID cases rise

On Friday, health officials recorded 7,103 new cases, a record high since the pandemic began last year.

KGA