Trade chief favors gradual lifting of Luzon ECQ by mid-April

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez supports a phased or gradual lifting of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon starting mid-April.

Essential businesses and their supply chains, particularly those producing food, hygienic, and medical products, would be the first to resume operations.

The proposal, supported by the business community, aims to allow more people in essential industries to return to work.

Mass gatherings will remain prohibited even with a modified quarantine.

Employees returning to work will undergo thermal checks and must practice social distancing.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles stated that government decisions on the quarantine will be based on scientific data and recommendations.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez emphasized the need for mass COVID-19 testing, acknowledging current capacity limitations.

The DOH will expand its testing capacity, prioritizing seniors and high-risk individuals.

A DTI circular requires businesses to prioritize assistance to senior citizens for essential goods purchases.