SAFETY PROTOCOLS AND MINIMUM HEALTH STANDARDS

These standards aim to reduce transmission, minimize contact rate and reduce the risk of
infection of the public from COVID-19. Proper observance of these guidelines in all settings
- the home, public places, offices/workplaces, high density communities, food and other
service establishments, public transportation, prisons and other places of detention.

Ensure the safety of the populace by minimizing risks in the environment and reducing
exposure and contact and transmission of COVID-19 through the adoption of safety protocols
and health practices in setting standards for the New Normal.

MINIMUM HEALTH STANDARDS (DOH)

The minimum public health standards are applicable at all settings. These minimum health
standards must be observed most especially in places that attract a great number of people
such as commercial establishments, markets and high-density communities such as
condominiums, informal settlement areas and places of detention.

1. Personal hygiene - bathing, frequent proper hand washing, use of alcohol.

2. Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette.
3. Environmental hygiene - disinfection of common areas, high-risk and high-density
areas.
4. Use of face masks, face shields, gloves and other PPEs for protection.
5. Practice of social/ physical distancing.
6. Restriction on mass gatherings - only ____ are allowed in a single gathering or
meeting.
7. Reduce exposure of vulnerable individuals - only persons who are 21-59 years old are
allowed to go out, those with underlying health conditions are also restricted from
going out.
8. Quarantine of confirmed, suspected and probable infected persons.

SAFETY STANDARDS

To ensure implementation of risk-based public health standards for COVID-19 mitigation,

and ensure compliance with national directives at the local level amidst the resumption of
economic activities vital to the livelihood of the public.
Guidelines for safety standards set herein are applicable to most of the economic activities
that have resumed under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ). More industry-specific
safety protocols may be further released through the transition of the environment to the New
Normal.

RETURN TO WORK PROTOCOLS for Businesses, Industries, Manufacturing and

Production, Work Shops, Commercial establishments, Offices, Service-oriented
establishments, Food establishments, Transport terminals, Public and Private Markets.

Workplace Safety and Health for resumption of work as part of OSH (Safety Officer of each
establishment RA11058, DO 198 s.2018)
a. Disinfecting premises, equipment and vehicles prior to resumption of work
activities
b. Temperature check and recorded prior to entering premises
c. Daily Health Declaration of employees (Health questionnaire of symptoms)
d. Wearing of face mask at all times
 e. Handwash/ Alcohol station and foot baths at entrance of the premises
e. Rearrangement of workplace to ensure distancing, unidirectional movement,
physical distancing on queues
e. Communal eating is discouraged, ensure distancing in dining areas
e. Safety and Health protocols in case of sick persons (isolation area, first aid
treatment room and clinic)
e. Private Shuttles required for workers or accommodation for workers to be
provided by employer.
e. Employers may test workers for COVID-19 in accordance to DOH MC 2020-
0180 and AO 2020-0014

BASIC GUIDELINES FOR THE REOPENING OF BUSINESSES

Prior to Resumption:

1) Disinfect their premises, equipment and vehicles prior to resumption of business.

2) Rearrange the establishment’s layout to ensure distancing between workers and customers
alike. Make sure work stations are at least 1 meter apart from each other.
3) Ensure social distancing within their premises through demarcated lines at least 1 meter
apart for queues, and arrows to guide unidirectional movement within their premises.
4) Separate the entrance and exit points of customers, properly marked and easily identified.
5) Provide plastic or acetate barrier for over-the-counter transactions.
6) Provide a designated isolation area, in case a worker or a customer may exhibit symptoms
while already inside the establishment.
7) Designate a Safety Officer to monitor COVID-19 prevention and control measures.

In actuality, the Occupational Safety and Health Compliance Standards require below
number of Safety officers in accordance to the IRR of RA 11058. The role of the
Safety Officer now greatly covers that of the safety and health of their patrons, apart
from their workers. Establishments must reinforce or add more Safety Officers as
needed.

8) Adopt a reopening plan that will implement Operation Safety and Health protocols that is
aligned with DOH Guidelines on Public Health Standards for COVID-19 Mitigation.

During Operation

1) At the entrance of the establishment:

a) Ensure physical distancing of customers by orderly following demarcated lines
for queues.
b) Ensure that all customers wear face mask at all times.
c) Check temperature of customers through proper equipment. Only allow entry
for customers with temperature readings of 37 Degree Celsius or 98.6 Degree
Farenheit or below.
 d) Spray alcohol or disinfectant to both hands of the customer and provide foot
baths if practicable.
e) Limit the entry of customers to 1 per 2 square meter space of the
establishment.

f) Permit entry of authorized persons outside of residence APOR only.

2) Regularly disinfect common use equipment and facilities such as pushcarts, hand rails,
door and door knobs, counters, elevators and comfort rooms preferably every 2 hours
during operation.
a) Ensure physical distancing of customers by orderly following demarcated lines
for queues.
b) Ensure that all customers wear face mask at all times.
c) Check temperature of customers through proper equipment. Only allow entry
for customers with temperature readings of 37 Degree Celsius or 98.6 Degree
Farenheit or below.
d) Spray alcohol or disinfectant to both hands of the customer and provide foot
baths if practicable.
e) Limit the entry of customers to 1 per 2 square meter space of the
establishment.

3) Prevention or management of long queues:

a) Provide additional cashiers as necessary to expedite the check-out of
customers.
b) Use numbering or number cards for customers so they may avoid long lines or
when having to wait outdoors, they may find shade or seats. 
c) For hardwares, auto supply stores, money transfer, couriers and other similar
establishments, avoid the queueing of customers on sidewalks. They may also
use numbering methods or other means so customers can find shade and
observe physical distancing.
d) For repair shops, service-oriented establishments including personal service
establishments, the use of scheduling or by-appointment basis for management
of customers is highly recommended.
 e) For food service establishments, manage customer queues and waiting area to
observe physical distancing at all times. Operate with enough manpower
complement to ensure fast preparation of orders.

4) Presence of Safety Officer at all times to ensure the compliance of the establishment.
Reinforcement through security guards and additional personnel to ensure observance of
physical distancing and proper movement of customers as applicable.
5) Ensure Workplace Safety and Health for both workers and employers by strict observance
of Return to Work Protocols as stated herein.
6) Each establishment must take responsibility for their economic activity, including the
safety of their patrons.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

The operation of public transportation shall Operators must ensure the compliance of
transport operations to:

1) Remain at _____% capacity for all forms of public transport. Operators must apply a
coding scheme for orderly implementation, as well as measures to ensure the compliance
of their members.
2) Adhere to the minimum health standards set forth by the DOH. Ensure compliance of
both driver and passenger.
3) Comply with Return to Work Protocols for their drivers and members.
4) Rearrange their terminal layout and vehicles as necessary to ensure physical distancing
between commuters, drivers and passengers.
5) Comply with the Safety Protocols abovementioned, including disinfection and provision
of plastic or acetate barriers to ensure limited contact between driver and passenger/s.
6) Refuse to render transport service to persons unauthorized to go out of their residence
such as minors (below 21 years old) and elderly (60 years old and above), unless of the
outmost necessity such as medical needs.

ENFORCEMENT

1. All establishments must be inspected and checked for compliance to the Safety and
Health Protocols being implemented in light of the COVID-19 pandemic prior to their
resumption of business. 
2. Only those who are compliant according to this Risk-based Public Health Standards
for COVID-19 will be allowed to operate. 
3. Safety inspection team to be headed by the ___________
4. Notice of Violation (NOV) will be issued to establishments unable to comply with
new safety and health guidelines.
5. Closure of establishments who violate the new Safety and Health Operation Standards
will be enforced by the Business Permit and Licensing Office, together with MPSO
and PNP, upon recommendation of _____________.