By ARGYLL CYRUS B. GEDUCOS
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the curfew hours in Metro Manila can be gradually eased but urged businessmen to allow workers to report in staggered shifts to avoid a “rush hour” that would violate physical distancing measures.
In a Facebook Live video Saturday, Nograles said that the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has been in constant coordination with Metro Manila mayors about the curfew hours. Most cities in the region have a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. while some have earlier curfews.
While there is nothing wrong about imposing a curfew, Nograles said that it would be more preferable it would be shorter and not as early as 8 p.m.
According to Nograles, the strategy that the government is eyeing is to let employees report to their workplace on staggered shifts.
“‘Wag naman lahat alas-otso ang pasok, ‘wag naman lahat ala-singko rin ang labas. Kasi kung within that window pare-pareho ang lahat, magra-rush hour,” he said.
Nograles said a shorter and later curfew would allow workers to travel at ease. He said malls and other establishments that provide essential goods and services should also extend their operating hours to complement the staggered shifts. (Argyll Geducos)
