MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment has advised establishments to adopt a flexible work arrangement as COVID-19 cases continue to soar nationwide.

“Actually, we already issued an advisory limiting the number of workers in order to lessen the possibility of transmission within workplaces. We encourage them to do that to avoid transmission,” Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said in a virtual briefing Wednesday.

DOLE, he added, also issued an advisory last year to guide employers in the adoption of work-from-home and other forms of flexible work arrangements (FWAs).

He said many employers have already adopted FWAs and continue to do so.

According to Bello, employers are left with the discretion on the number of workers allowed to physically report to the workplace, noting that there must be a consensus between workers and employers on the adoption of FWAs.

The Department of Health earlier reported a clustering of COVID cases in workplaces, but Bello said the DOLE has not received any report of the rising incidence of infection in establishments.

“Occupational safety inspectors are visiting all establishments to see to it that health protocols are complied with,” he said as he reminded workers to comply with the minimum health protocol to avoid sanctions, including possible dismissal from their job.

“Non-compliance with health protocol is a basis for disciplinary action. Workers have the responsibility to comply or they can be subject to administrative sanction,” he said.