IATF-EID orders reclassification of some business industries  

·        

MANILA – The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has ordered the reclassification of several business industries in the country, Malacañang said on Friday.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) was tasked to re-categorize certain industries for the resumption of their operations or the gradual increase of operating capacity of those that are now open, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.

The IATF-EID gave the directive during its meeting on Thursday, Roque said in a press statement.

He said the DTI should consult the departments of finance, local government, and tourism.

“The DTI is likewise given authority of the IATF to issue a negative list of industries, which shall remain prohibited even in areas under MGCQ (modified general community quarantine),” Roque said.

The government has further relaxed the quarantine protocols in the country amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak to allow more business establishments to resume operations, especially in areas placed under MGCQ.

He said the IATF-EID’s latest move was meant to revive the economy in Metro Manila and Region 4-A (Calabarzon).

“These recent actions of the IATF are in compliance with the directive to ensure the increase of the capacities of the business sector vis-à-vis available transportation to revitalize the economy in Metro Manila and Region 4-A,” Roque said.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday announced the new quarantine classifications in the country for the July 16 to 31 period.

On Wednesday, the President also consulted doctors and experts on the possible reopening of the Philippine economy amid the Covid-19 crisis.

Duterte made the consultation after admitting on July 7 that the country could not afford to completely reopen the economy amid the pandemic.

Doctors and experts told him that the total reopening of the economy is possible, so long as localized lockdown is implemented, the Covid-19 testing capacity improves, and vulnerable groups are protected.

On Wednesday, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said there are signs that the country’s economy is recovering despite the crisis brought about by Covid-19.

As of Thursday, the Philippines has logged 61,266 confirmed Covid-19 cases, with 21,440 recoveries and 1,643 deaths. (PNA)