DTI: Supply of facemasks, alcohol starts to normalize

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) says the availability of medical supplies in Metro Manila has started to normalize after the metropolis was placed under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

“Imbes na tig lilima ay sampu na ngayon ang allowed for facemasks kasi nakapakete na siya ngayon (Instead of five, ten facemasks are now allowed for purchase since they are in packs),” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said in an interview.

Lopez attributed the improvement in the supply of facemasks and alcohol to the move by some local manufacturers to switch to the production of these items.

The demand for facemasks and alcohol surged when COVID-19 started to hit the country in March this year.

Lopez meanwhile said they are now inspecting restaurants to see if they could protect their workers and customers and resume dine-in services in MECQ areas. 

He added that they are also studying the implementation of standard health protocols for restaurants.

“Ang nakikita naming design dito ay magkakalayo ang upuan, may physical barriers na transparent para lang mag prevent ng transmission ng sakit – yun talaga ay sana ma-implement natin (The design we’re seeing is far apart chairs and transparent physical barriers to prevent disease transmission - we hope to implement that),” Lopez said.  

He also said 70 percent of the DTI’s revenue collection comes from the food and beverage industry. Some restaurants are already allowed to operate, but are limited to delivery services.