Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY July 15, 2020 EDUARDO M. ANO Secretary Department of the Interior and Local Government NAPOLCOM Center EDSA comer Quezon Avenue, Quezon City Dear Secretary Aiio: In response to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No, 28, the Department of Health (DOH) released Administrative Order no. 2020-0015, “Guidelines on the Risk-Based Public Health Standards for COVID-19 Mitigation”, that provides guidelines on the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) across different settings for the duration of the COVID-19 Health event. All National Government Agencies, Local Government Units, and the Private Sector are enjoined to develop sector-specific policies, programs, and guidelines with the minimum public health standards specified in this Order. As such, the DOH transmits herewith a Template Ordinance on the implementation of the Minimum Public Health Standards, for the possible adoption and implementation of the LGUs of the minimum public health standards in their respective jurisdictions. The DOH would like to extend our gratitude to the Department of the Interior and Local Government for being an integral partner in our fight against COVID-19. The DOH shall continuously update the set minimum public health standards based on emerging evidence and best practices and issue succeeding updates for dissemination to key stakeholders and partners. For questions or clarifications, you may contact Dr. Alfonso Regala or Mr. Rodley Carza at alfonso.regala.doh@gmail.com or rearza.doh@gmail.com, respectively. Thank you for your support and cooperation. Very truly yours, QUE III, MD, MSe ‘Building 1, San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sa, Cruz, 1008 Manila» Trank Line 651-7800 local 1108 1111, 1112, 1113, ‘ire Line: 711-9802; 711-9803 Fax: 743-1829 « URL: bupi/www.doh gov ph; e-mail: uque@dab.go-phRepublic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY A TEMPLATE ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE “NEW NORMAL” TO. PREVENT AND CONTROL COVID-19 The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 28 mandates that minimum public health standards must be specified by the Department of Health (DOH) and adhered to by all sectors. On April 27, 2020, DOH issued Administrative Order No. 2020-0015 titled, “Guidelines on the Risk-Based Public Health Standards for COVID-19 Mitigation”. These guidelines are issued to establish Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) as minimum public health standards for COVID-19 mitigation response in various settings The DOH AO 2020-0015 enjoins National Government Agencies, in coordination with Local Government Units (LGUs), to develop and implement specific sectoral policies for COVID-19 response. Several NGAs such as but not limited to DOTR, DTI, and DOLE have already issued specific guidelines for the implementation of NPIs. To further institutionalize the NPIs, the DOH endorses this template to guide LGUs in developing ordinances for the implementation of health-promoting behaviors and other preventive measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Included in this template are the minimum standards per NPI. LGUs may adopt all provisions outlined in this ordinance or select certain provisions and modify interventions to best reflect local considerations and corresponding needs, provided that these are aligned with the DOH AO no. 2020-0015 and other applicable laws and guidelines. ‘Building 1, San Lazaro Compound, Ral Avene, Sa, Cruz, 1003 Manila « Trunk Line 651-7800 local 1108, 011, 1112, 1113 Direct Line: 711-9802; 711-9503 Fax: 743-1829 « URL: hp/twwewidoh gov.nh: email dvque@doh.goph(LGU Sangguniang Panlalawigan/Panlungsod Letterhead) TEMPLATE {Number] Session Present: [Name] [Position] [Name] [Position] [Name] [Position] On official business: [Name] [Position] [Name] [Position] [Name] [Position} Absent [Name] [Position] [Name] [Position] [Name] [Position] With at least two-thirds (2/3) vote of all the of the Sangguniang Bayan/Panlungsod members who are present, the following Municipal/City Ordinance was enacted on third and final reading: Ordinance No. __ Series of __ AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE “NEW NORMAL” TO PREVENT AND CONTROL COVID-19 Authored by: [Name] [Posi mn] WHEREAS, on 8 March 2020, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte declared a State of Public Health Emergency throughout the country due to COVID-19, and enjoined all government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to render full assistance and cooperation and mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent and appropriate responses and measures to curtail and eliminate the COVID -19 threat; WHEREAS, on April 23, 2020, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (ATF-EID) issued Resolution No. 28 which mandates that minimum public health standards must be specified by the Department of Health and adhered to by all sectors;(LGU Sangguniang Panlalawigan/Pantungsod Letterhead) WHEREAS, on April 27, 2020, the Department of Health issued Administrative Order No. 2020-0015 which sets the guidelines on the Minimum Public Health Standards for COVID-19 mitigation and serves as a guide in institutionalizing key Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions across different settings to combat COVID-19; WHEREAS, the Local Government Code (the Code) in Section 16 provides that local governments shall exercise powers necessary, appropriate or incidental for its efficient and effective governance, and those which are essential to the promotion of general welfare. WHEREAS, with these powers, this [Municipality/City] implements the Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions promulgated by DOH Administrative Order No. 2020-0015 using this Ordinance’s procedures and technical specifications necessary for this adaptation and transition to the “new normal.” NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED as it is hereby resolved by the [Munieipal/C Sangguniang Panlungsod}, in session duly assembled, THAT: Section 1. Short Title. Section 2. Declaration of Principles and Policies. This section articulates the values and underlying principles of the present policy. It is the declared policy of the [Municipal/City Sangguniang Panlungsod], to protect the lives of its residents at all times and uphold the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in developing solutions and response to the COVID-19 health event, It recognizes that all policies, guidelines and plans shall be cognizant of equity considerations and implications of such policies to different sectors of society. The [Municipal/City Sangguniang Panlungsod] joins the Department of Health and other national government agencies to institute an evidence-based policy development, decision-making, and implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions and other mitigation measures in the “new normal”. Section 3. General Objectives. This section provides the general and specific objectives of the present policy. This policy operationalizes the minimum public health standards and other applicable laws and guidelines on mitigation measures for COVID-19 response across different settings. Section 4, Definition of Terms. As used in this Ordinance, the following terms shall mean: Administrative Controls - refer to procedural interventions or modifications in policies, standards, and processes, that are meant to reduce the frequency and severity of exposure to infectious diseases (e.g. hygiene and disinfection protocols, work shifting, etc.)(LGUSangguniang Pantalawigan/Panlungsod Letterhead) b. Engineering Controls - refer to physical interventions or modifications in spaces or environments, that is meant to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases (e.g. use of physical barriers, exhaust ventilation, etc.) ¢. New Normal - refers to a set of health behaviors and minimum public health standards to be observed and institutionalized to halt the spread of COVID-19 and shall be part of routine practices even after the pandemic Non-pharmaceutical Interventions (NPI) - refer to public health measures that do not involve vaccines, medications or other pharmaceutical interventions, that individuals and communities can carry out in order to reduce transmission rates, contact rates, and the duration of infectiousness of individuals in the population. e. Protective Personal Equipment (PPEs) - refer to protective garments or equipment worn by individuals to increase personal safety from infectious agents f. Vulnerable groups - refer to socially disadvantaged groups that are most susceptible to suffer directly from disasters and health events. These include senior citizens, immunocompromised individuals, women, children, persons deprived with liberty (PDL), persons with disabilities (PWDs), and members of indigenous peoples (IPs), internally displaced persons (IDPs), indigenous cultural communities (ICCs), among others. CHAPTER A. Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions for the “New Normal” The implementation of this Ordinance shall support the localization of the non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) provided for in the DOH Administrative Order No. 2020-0015, titled “ Guidelines on the Risk-Based Public Health Standards for COVID-19 Mitigation”. The Ordinance shall be guided by the following COVID-19 Mitigation Objectives: (1) Increase Physical and Mental Resilience, (2) Reduce Transmission, (3) Reduce Contact, and (4) Reduce Duration of Infection. [Note to Sangguniang Bayan/Panlungsod members: This section provides the specifics of the Non-Pharmaceutical Intervention/s that will be implemented under this ordinance. The key provisions must provide clear guidance on the composition, initiation, or implementation of important components of the present policy and should be in line with the provisions and standards stated in the DOH AO 2020-0015 ] Section 5, Promote mental health. Details of key provision. 5.1 The municipality/city acknowledges that health emergencies may cause stress, anxiety, and depression. As such, interventions to deliver mental health services, psychosocial support, referral mechanisms, and other essential services shall be made(“LGU/Sangguniang Pantalawigan/Pantungsod Letterhead) available to individuals who need help and support during the COVID-19 health event, Section 6, Reduce exposure of vulnerable individuals (e.g., senior citizens, pregnant women, individuals with comorbidity) to prevent infection. Details of key provision. 6.1 The municipality/city shall adopt administrative controls to designate specific lanes or areas for vulnerable individuals in public places and establishments, which must be further supported by engineering controls such as but not limited to placement of temporary barriers and visual cues. Section 7, Provide support for essential workforce (ex. Financial aid, lodging, transportation to and from the workplace, food, etc.). Details of key provision. 7.1 Businesses, public and private offices, and other establishments authorized to ‘operate during community quarantine shall provide services and other forms of support to its workforce such as but not limited to transportation services, financial aid, food and accommodations, and personal protective equipment. Section 8. Provide support for vulnerable groups (ex. social amelioration programs, food assistance, etc.). Details of key provision. 8.1 The municipality/city shall ensure timely and adequate provision and distribution of services and benefits as mandated by applicable laws and guidelines to groups or individuals, particularly those identified to be vulnerable for the duration of COVID-19, Support and services shall be extended as may be deemed necessary. Section 9. Reduce the use of and exposure to tobacco products. Details of key provision. 9.1 To protect the well-being of both smokers and non-smokers, the municipality/city shall prohibit the use of tobacco products in public places as stipulated in Executive Order no, 26. In enclosed spaces, including private offices and establishments, owners and administrators must designate specific smoking areas, however, signages including warning about the effects and risks of use of tobacco products shall be posted in such areas. Section 10. Promote Health-Enhaneing Physical Activities. Details of key provision. 10.1 The municipality/city promotes the conduct of regular exercise and other physical activities in increasing physical and mental resilience during the COVID-19 health event, provided that individuals adhere to the minimum public health standards. If the municipality/eity designates a specific area for the conduct of outdoor physical activities, engineering and administrative controls such as but not limited to routine disinfection and sanitation, installation of handwashing stations and dispensers with alcohol-based solutions, placement of marks for physical distancing shall be implemented.(LGU Sangguniang Pantalawigan/Panlungsod Letterhead) Section 11. Practice personal hygiene and proper cough etiquette (e.g. handwashing with soap and water, sanitizing with hand disinfectants, ete.). Details of key provision. 11.1 To promote proper hand hygiene and cough etiquette, the municipality/city shall install makeshift handwashing facilities and dispensers in public places and other strategic locations, any such solution must be supported by placement of signages and visual cues to further encourage proper handwashing and cough etiquette Section 12. Avoid spitting in public places. Details of key provision 12.1 The municipality/city shall prohibit the act of spitting in public places such as but not limited to the street, road, alley, sidewalks, parks, parking lots, or other vacant public and private properties not owned or controlled by the individual. Section 13. Practice of environmental hygiene (e.g. disinfecting surfaces and objects). Details of key provision, 13.1 Buildings, government offices, and private and public establishments are hereby directed to conduct routine disinfection of frequently touched surfaces and objects. ‘All disinfection and sanitation procedures shall follow protocols and prescribed disinfection solutions stated in DOH Department Memorandum No. 2020-0157, as amended, Section 14, Use of PPE and other medical-grade protective apparel. Details of key provisions. 14.1 The municipality/city shall require all individuals to wear face masks in public arcas, However, individuals with no symptoms must wear cloth, do-it-yourself, reusable face masks to ensure steady supply of medical-grade masks and other protective apparel, which shall be reserved for individuals with flu-like symptoms, health care workers, and other essential workers. Section 15, Practice of physical distancing. Details of key provisions, 15.1 In a given space, the municipality/city shall enforce strict compliance with physical distancing protocols (at least 1 meter apart to side, front, and back). Establishments, markets, pharmacies, banks, public and private offices, and other services authorized to operate shall install visual cues, markings, and other signages within premises, Section 16. Provision for modified work structures and schedules, and alternative work arrangements. Details of key provisions. 16.1 All businesses, establishments, and private and public offices that are authorized to resume operations shall modify work structures and provide alternative work arrangements such as work-from-home, working hour shifts, and on-rotation basis. All workplaces shall follow the guidelines for retum to work set by the DOH Department Memorandum 2020-0220.(LGU Sangguniang Panlalawigan/Panlungsod Letterhead) Section 17, Limit non-essential services. Details of key provisions. 17.1 All businesses, establishments, and private and public offices that are authorized to resume operations shall modify work structures and provide alternative work arrangements such as work-from-home, working hour shifts, and on-rotation basis. Section 18, Restrict on mass gatherings. Details of key provisions. 18.1 Mass gatherings shall be prohibited in accordance with the limitations provided across different community quarantine classifications. Fiestas, community assemblies, sporting events, and other events or activities that encourage gathering of individuals that exceed the indicated maximum number of individuals allowed in a given setting shall be prohibited. Section 19, Detect and Isolate symptomatic individuals (at home or in designated community quarantine facilities). Details of key provisions 19.1 In order to facilitate prompt contact tracing procedures and immediate isolation of symptomatic individuals, all establishments, businesses, and public and private offices are required to implement standard temperature and other monitoring checks and establish the necessary mechanisms and networks to refer symptomatic individuals to the appropriate authority and/or facility. CHAPTER B. Roles and Responsibilities This section clearly delineates the functions and deliverables expected from each office or officer involved in the implementation of the present policy. These may include designation of offices or individuals for policy development, enforcement, or monitoring and evaluation Note to Sangguniang Bayan/Panlungsod members: The Office of the Local Chief Executive, P/C/M Health Office, Information Unit, Office of the Barangay, and Relevant CSO/Partner shall serve as the minimum stakeholders in the implementation of NPls for the New Normal Section 20. [Stakeholder]. Details of stakeholder role and responsibility. Section 21. [Stakeholder]. Details of stakeholder role and responsibility. Section 22. [Stakeholder]. Details of stakeholder role and responsibility. Section 23. Oversight Provisions. If applicable, indicate in this section any governing body thereby established or assigned to conduct review of or provide oversight on the implemen- tation of the provisions of the policy.(LGUSangguniang Panlalawigan/Panlungsod Letterhead) CHAPTER C. Appropriations Section 24. Appropriations. This section shall provide the minimum amount or a simple costing of resources necessary to implement the provisions of the policy, clearly identify the suggested funding source/s, and provide guidance on how resources may be allocated between the components or activities involved in the implementation CHAPTER D. Penal and Accountability Provisions (As applicable) Section 25, Accountability. This section shall outline the accountabilities of all relevant stakeholders involved in the implementation of the present policy. Sub-section may include: (a) specific acts of violation of the provisions of the policy, or actions that constitute failures in any part of its implementation, (b) applicable fines or penalty, and (c) designation of role/s, in enforcement, policing, facilitation of due notice and hearing, if applicable CHAPTER E. Miscellaneous Provisions Section 26, Modifications to Implementation of NPIs. As science continues to evolve, the municipality/city shall periodically assess, evaluate, and modify provisions and guidelines on the implementation of NPls in accordance with emerging evidence and practices and as may be deemed necessary by the DOH and other NGAs. Section 27. Transitory Provisions. If implementation of the present policy would require a process of transition from pre-enforcement, to facilitate anticipated reforms in functions, resources, roles and responsibilities, indicate in this section the timeline or conditions of the transition, Section 28. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). This section provides details on the tasking and prescribes the timeline for developing additional rules and regulations to support the implementation of any or all the key provisions of the present policy. Section 29. Repealing Clause. In this section, indicate that existing city or municipal ordinances, implementing rules and regulations, executive orders, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of the present policy are repealed or modified accordingly. Section 30. Separability Clause. If, for any reason, any part or provision of this present ordinance is held unconstitutional or invalid, indicate in this section that other provisions hereof are not be affected thereby, and shall continue to be in full force and effect. Section 31. Effectivity. This ordinance shall take effect (immediately upon its approval OR on [insert date}).(LGUSangguniang Pantalawigan/Panlungsod Letterhead) CARRIED (UNANIMOUSLY OR ON A MAJORITY VOTE). (If on a majority vote: Infavor: Abtension: Against:) CERTIFIED TRUE AND CORRECT: [NAME] Secretary ATTESTED: [NAME] Vice Mayor, Presiding Officer [NAME] Mayor Date of Approval Date of Posting Date of Publication Date of Effectivity