Government offices are required to get the authorization from the Office of the President before they could temporarily shut down their operation due to the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
In his Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 86, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea stressed such closure should only be considered extreme measure in instances of spread of Covid-19 in a workplace is high.
He said concerned government offices must indicate the duration of such measures and must be backed by “verified data and other documentation.”
“There is a need to monitor compliance with health protocols in the workplaces of all government agencies and instrumentalities, to mitigate and suppress the spread of Covid-19 in the said areas while ensuring the continuous delivery of public services,” Medialdea said.
For attached agencies, branches, regional and field offices, they must also obtain the approval of the concerned department exercising control over their operations.
“Temporary closures merely to conduct disinfection of premises shall not be allowed. Such activity shall be undertaken after offices hours or weekends,” Medialdea said.
The head and Safety and Health committee of government office, which will violate the provision of MC 86 will face administrative sanctions MC 86 will not apply to the legislative and judicial branches of the government.
However, both branches of the government are “strongly urged” to adopt similar guidelines for the possible temporary closure of their operations during the pandemic.
MC 86 immediately took effect after it was issued last Tuesday. (Samuel Medenilla)
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