Here are the highlights of PRRD's address during the IATF-EID meeting (25 May 2020)
🛳 OFWs AND MASS TRANSPORTATION TO THEIR REGIONS
1️⃣ As per DOLE Secretary Bello, a total of 62,000 OFWs will return to the PH by Thursday, 28 May 2020.
2️⃣ PRRD reminded LGUs to follow the directives of the national government and allow the return of the OFWs to their residences.
3️⃣ DILG issued a memorandum requesting the LGUs to assist the mass transport of repatriated OFWs to their respective regions.
4️⃣ PRRD has ordered the use of government assets (sea, air, or land) to transport the OFWs to their places regardless of border control measure of the LGUs.
5️⃣ A total of 24,000 OFWs will be transported with assistance from the government. All 24,000 OFWs tested negative for COVID-19 (thru RT-PCR Tests).
6️⃣ PRRD reminded the LGUs of the constitutional right of OFWs to travel and return to their homes.
7️⃣ LGUs cannot unilaterally impose entry/exit restrictions.
8️⃣ PRRD reminded the LGUs that “only the national government can impose a travel ban” due to its declaration of public health emergency. He adds that the national government makes the pronouncement and LGUs should follow.
9️⃣ LGUs may isolate the returning OFWs to a quarantine facility for several days.
⛔ COMMUNITY QUARANTINE
A modified community quarantine will be imposed. Certain places and types of workers will be allowed to work and operate but are reminded to observe the minimum public health standards, crowd control, and strict social distancing. The public must not be reckless and extreme precaution should be observed.
🩺 HEALTH
1️⃣ PH is in the first major wave of a sustained community transmission.
2️⃣ PH recovery rate is high with more than 3,000 cases of recovery.
3️⃣ Overpricing of PPEs and ventilators will be investigated.
4️⃣ Private companies offering overpriced PPEs and machines will be thoroughly investigated by the NBI.
5️⃣ CONWEP will manufacture high-grade medical PPEs produced locally and priced at P850.
✏ EDUCATION
Opening of classes will depend on the availability of a vaccine.