ALL businesses, business process outsourcing and non-profit entities operating within the Province of Cebu, except for the independent cities of Cebu and Lapu-Lapu, are directed to utilize telecommuting procedures effective 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2020, in a bid to counter the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
Item IV of Executive Order 5-K issued by Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia on March 21, states that each employer shall reduce the in-person workforce reporting at any of its work locations, branches or offices by 50 percent.
"If the remaining 50 percent cannot be accommodated by telecommuting procedures, then we are asking you to please continue giving their salaries. If it's not possible, then please release their 13th month pay or prorate. We will try to work it out that the salaries by made as tax credits but I will still have to talk to the BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue)," Garcia said on Monday, March 23.
Any businesses or entities providing "essential" servies or functions shall not be subject to the in-person restrictions.
This includes the following: health care operations; infrastructure, including utilities, telecommunication, airports and transportation; manufacturing, including food processing and pharmaceuticals; grocery stores and pharmacies; trash collection, mail and shipping services; news media; banks and related financial institutions; construction and related services; sanitation and safety services; and logistics and tech support.
Other businesses may be exempted from this provision as determined and approved by the Provincial Government.
Also at 12:01 a.m. March 24, all pubs, bars, internet cafes, video gaming arcades, gambling facilities, barbershops, hair salons, tattoo or piercing parlors, aesthetic centers and related personal care services are ordered closed.
This shall also include all home services by manicurists, masseuses, cosmetologists, aestheticians and other services where strict social distancing cannot be followed.
Other prohibitions include sports activities held in covered courts; beach outings and excursions; and pageants, bingos, discos and other activities participated in by 10 or more persons in the barangay level.
Otherwise, the barangay captain will be held liable for any violation. (RTF)