MANILA, Philippines — The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) is in favor of easing curfew hours in Metro Manila and implementing staggered work shifts to prevent crowding in offices and establishments that may lead people to disregard physical distancing measures, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said on Saturday.
Last August, Metro Manila mayors agreed on a uniform curfew – from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. – under the general community quarantine to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Nograles, vice chairman of the IATF, said requiring workers to report for duty within the same window hours could lead to a “rush hour,” which would make it difficult to observe safe distancing.
He said staggered work shifts could not be implemented if curfew hours start early.
“It’s OK to impose curfew, but we can shorten it to implement staggered work shifts. The curfew cannot start at 9 p.m. Maybe at midnight or 1 a.m. If they want it calibrated, it’s also OK,” Nograles told reporters.
“Maybe we can ask the business community and the Metro Manila mayors if they are OK with this. If curfew hours are to be retained, they should not start that early,” he added.
Nograles said local government units should continue implementing shorter curfew to prevent people from loitering the streets.
He said businesses should also continue work-from-home arrangements if possible to prevent virus transmission among workers.
Malls and groceries should be allowed to operate for longer hours, according to Nograles.
He said the government is reopening the economy while implementing stricter health protocols as large-scale lockdowns could harm the country’s growth prospects.