ONCE it becomes a law, workplaces and public spaces would have to become different for three years or sooner until a viable vaccine has cured or stopped the spread of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) this would entail serious adjustments for workers and the general public.
A bill has been filed at the House of Representatives which aims to set the standards on physical distancing in public places such as the wearing of face masks even if the Enhanced Community Quarantine has been totally lifted. Filipinos would have to get used to temperature checks as an added measure to determine those who might be having some symptoms of Covid-19 or any similar disease.
In addition, handwashing and sanitizing stations would be installed in strategic places where handwashing would become a requirement. Perhaps these would be set-up in transport terminals, malls, public markets, supermarkets, churches and of course in workplaces. These would include, aside from soap or handwashing liquids, bottles or dispensers of isopropyl alcohol or sanitizers.
Under the proposed law House Bill 6623, mass testing of Covid-19 would become mandatory too to determine any new infection or recurrence of the said virus. We cannot help but to be sure that the virus has been totally eradicated and that it would not infect humans again. It includes tracing of individuals who might have some physical contacts with an infected person.
The government, under the said bill shall continue to procure test kits and personal protective equipment (PPEs), to put up more testing laboratories and quarantine facilities for possible carriers of the virus. This would address the shortage of hospitals which treats Covid-19 patients and those who have been ordered to be on quarantine.
Work time would be given proper scheduling of personnel to minimize physical interactions of employees while in their respective workplaces. Workers would have to be ferried from their homes to their workplaces to they can avoid going elsewhere and reduce the risk of getting infected.
Digital governance mechanisms under the proposed bill, will be implemented for government agencies so they can still provide government services even if some restrictions against Covid-19 are affected.
Meanwhile, public gatherings and activities would have to be regulated if not restricted. This would definitely minimize social interactions and physical contacts among people. Without the vaccine yet, we can only resort to physical distancing to stop and spread and contain the virus.
Public transport system would have to be modified under the said bill. This would consider physical distancing among drivers, conductors and drivers and other personnel of mass transit systems. This would of course sacrifice market of transport businesses who would have to minimize their passengers at a time.
The new normal law, while it imposes some restrictions, is simply setting-up our weapons and strategies in our fight against the deadly Covid-19 which has already claimed thousands of lives all over the world.
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