Just in time for the start of the harvest season this month, the government exempted workers in the agriculture and fishing sector from enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) in its Resolution No. 15-20202 has approved the recommendation of the Department of Agriculture to allow farmers and fishers to return to work.
He said the IATF made the decision “to ensure the continuous supply of agricultural goods and fish in the market” especially with the ongoing harvest season.
To note, the harvest season particularly for rice usually start on March and end on May.
The exemption will apply to “all healthy farmers and farm workers, fishers, and agri-business personnel.”
Likewise, employees of agriculture supply stores/outlets and veterinary clinics will also be allowed to operate during the ECQ.
However, Nograles said their employers must implement a skeletal workforce and social distancing measures in their workplaces.
Nograles said the IATF also approved the to support the“Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” and Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat Kontra sa COVID-19 (ALPAS Covid-19) programs of DA.
DA earlier said it is requesting for an additional at least P31 billion for the said initiatives.