SAN JOSE, Antique – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Antique are working hand in hand to monitor the compliance of private establishments with the safety and health measures set in the DTI and DOLE Interim Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of COVID-19. This is to prevent and control the transmission of the virus in the workplace.The guidelines which apply to all employers and workers in the private sector aims to increase the physical and mental resilience of workers, reduce the transmission of the virus, minimize contact rate and reduce the risk of infection of workers.Based on the initial monitoring conducted by DOLE and DTI among establishments in the Antique, specifically, in the town of San Jose de Buenavista, majority are compliant with the safety and health measures.  These establishments are posting signages on COVID safety measures, requiring workers to wear face masks at all times, checking temperatures of both workers and visitors, spraying alcohol and sanitizing hands, providing disinfectant foot baths and properly observing social or physical distancing.  Melissa S. Navarra, Head of DOLE Antique Field Office said that most of the establishments inspected indicated that they are implementing alternative work arrangements, video conferencing and use of appropriate PPEs to minimize contact rate.  Moreover, companies are also undertaking activities for physical and mental resiliency of workers. “They also ensure that their OSH personnel are properly informed about the COVID-19 Interim Guidelines and that it is widely disseminated among their workers, including the latest updates on COVID-19,” Navarra said. Emergency contact details of workers were also updated.The DTI and DOLE Interim Guidelines was issued to assist private institutions that are allowed to operate during the enhanced community quarantine and general community quarantine in developing the minimum health protocols and standards in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.At present, only a few private establishments in Antique have returned to their usual operation./PN read more