MANUFACTURING plants in this industrial town San Simon must abide by the safety protocols set by the national and local government once the lockdown is lifted are allowed to resume operations.
Mayor Abundio Punsalan, Jr. said he will be issuing an executive order for the measures that must be observed on all factories and workplaces in this town if the easing of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to general community quarantine will push through on May 16.
"Mandatory wearing of face masks and other protection, and physical distancing will be new normal in our workplaces after ECQ. The lockdown may be lifted but the threat of coronavirus disease will linger so it's better to be safe than sorry," he said.
In line with this, Punsalan said return of employees on actual workplace must be done gradually to ensure compliance to physical distancing protocol.
He added that upon lifting of ECQ, 30 percent to 50 percent of the workforce are only allowed to come to office while the rest may resort to work-from-home set-up.
As a home for several manufacturing plants, especially in the Quezon Road area, several employees coming from different parts and even outside of Pampanga travel to this municipality everyday.
Punsalan said strict safety measures must be observed to ensure the protection not only of the employees but more importantly, the Simoniam community.
"We cannot halt their operation for a longer time because of their vital role in the economy so our only protection is the strict implementation of health protocols. If they persist defiance, they will face closure whatever the nature of their business," he said.
