DTI: 1.5M workers lose jobs under two-week ECQ

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 15) — Around 1.5 million jobs were lost as a number of industries were forced to temporarily stop operations or limit capacity because of rising virus cases, a Cabinet official said Thursday.

"Base sa talaan naman ng mga labor force, iyong mga sectors na sarado noong ECQ, mga 1.5 million estimate kami na na-displace, nawalan ng hanapbuhay," Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said during a virtual briefing on the impact of the strictest quarantine in Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna and Bulacan.

[Translation: Based on the record of the labor force, in the sectors that were closed during the enhanced community quarantine, we estimate that about 1.5 million workers were displaced, lost their livelihood.]

He said around half a million people returned to work after restrictions were slightly relaxed, adding that the rest would regain their jobs once the NCR Plus shifts to general community quarantine.

Metro Manila and the four provinces are under moderate enhanced community quarantine until April 30.

Under the guidelines, outdoor dine-in with 50% capacity is allowed as long as there are acrylic dividers and diners are seated diagonally, while dining inside restaurants is not allowed. Restaurants can also accommodate takeout orders.

READ: MECQ guidelines: What we know so far

Public transportation is limited to authorized persons outside of residence.

Metro Manila also set a unified curfew hour from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Authorized persons outside of residence are exempted.