The world will never be the same again. The pre-pandemic life we used to live will never happen anymore for no one knows when this pandemic ends.

‘New Normal’ as what they call it. We are all fond of embracing changes but this time, it’s different—changes that we all must be seriously taken. Once it’s implemented, there’s no turning back.

Speaker Alan Cayetano and colleagues filed House Bill 6623 or the “New Normal for the Workplace and Public Spaces Act,” defining the new life to face due to the COVID-19 crisis.

GENERAL MEASURES

Several measures are created in general under the bill, this includes the mandatory wearing of facemasks in public. The ones who will be caught of not wearing it will be apprehended—public authorities shall be issued tickets with a corresponding P1,000.00 fine and a one-day community service.

Physical and social distancing will be strictly implemented in public places.

Public transport may be resumed after lifting the enhanced community quarantine. All passengers will be required to sanitize their hands before boarding the vehicle with one seat apart arrangement while wearing face masks.  A contactless payment system shall also be implemented.

Motorcycle taxis are still suspended since proper distancing will not be observed in this setup.

SCHOOLS ARE SUSPENDED

All classes and school activities are suspended until further notice as the bill proposes. However, both private and public schools should come up with online platforms to allow students to learn online.

BUSINESSES MAY RESUME

Malls and other commercial establishments are required to limit the number of people inside their premises. 

Restaurants and foodservice operations may resume only with a take-out/delivery service. Buffet and salad bars will not be available and their menu booklets should also be disposable. 

For commercial stores and centers, the number of customers must be limited upon entering the premises. They are asked to promote online transactions and shopping services.

For offices, personal meetings are highly discouraged as much as possible. Furthermore, these offices (including call centers) shall likewise limit the number of people who use elevators and to put more vending machines instead of opening cafeterias. 

For salons, parlors and spas, wearing face masks and gloves are mandatory as well as frequent handwashing and sanitizing of salon tools should also be observed. 

In general, private businesses are required to come up with a management plan for the “new normal.” This should contain, among others, the total number of employees allowed to work inside the office and the overall strategy for reporting of the workforce.

For private employers, they should state their plans for managing employees who exhibit symptoms and/or confirmed to have tested for COVID-19.

PUBLIC SPACES GUIDELINES

Public gatherings in government-managed public spaces as well as privately-managed spaces will be strictly regulated.

Privately-organized gatherings may be dispersed by the local government if it is established that the persons involved are not following mandatory safety measures, including social distancing and wearing of face masks.

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES

The bill also orders the Philippine Statistics Authority to fast-track the implementation of the national ID system.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology should also expedite the rollout of the national broadband program.

PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING THE NEW REGULATIONS

Offenses committed in relation to the New Normal measures shall be punishable by imprisonment of two months or a fine of not less than P1,000 but not more than P50,000, or both.

House Bill 6623 or the “New Normal for the Workplace and Public Spaces Act,” will be effective for three years or shorter if the national government declares that the threat of COVID-19 has been eradicated.

Header photo courtesy of  Philstar.com and stathakis.com