Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong has allowed the operations of establishments that were shut down when the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was declared last month.
In Executive Order 75 s. 2020, Magalong has allowed hardware, office supply, electrical supply, and auto supply stores to operate every Thursdays and Fridays during the ECQ, which was extended to April 30.
The mayor allowed the operations of these establishments in view of the fact that the commodities sold by these business firms are needed in the fabrication of personal protective equipment (PPEs) needed in the battle against the coronavirus disease-2019 (Covid-19).
Magalong also noted that the transport of relief items and basic goods within and outside the city had been continuous.
“In order to capacitate the (private sector, volunteers, and donors who have been working for the production of PPEs) and to ensure that the city has a steady supply of PPEs for our health workers and frontliners and keep our vehicles ready for immediate use, there is a need to temporarily allow the operations of hardware stores, office and electrical supply stores, and electrical and auto supply stores,” the EO, issued on April 8, stated.
Said establishments are allowed to operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the duration of the ECQ.
Magalong has also ordered the establishments to observe hygiene and sanitation and physical distancing among workers inside the stores and between the employees and customers and reminded employers to maintain only skeleton workforce.
When Baguio imposed a lockdown on March 16 in line with the ECQ imposed by the national government on March 13, hardware, office supply, electrical supply, and auto supply stores, among other shops were ordered to cease operations as the products sold by these establishments were then considered as non-essential goods.
Only stores that trade food and other commodities and drug stores were allowed to operate. – Jane B. Cadalig
