By John Ezekiel J. Hirro
Starting Saturday, Oct. 3, restaurants and delivery services in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified GCQ (MGCQ) areas will be allowed 24-hour operations, per the Department of Trade and Industry’s latest guidelines.
The easing of restrictions was done to “augment the additional operational requirements and serve the needs of the public while enhancing income opportunities for workers,” according to DTI’s Memorandum Circular No. 20-52 issued on Friday.
The operational capacity for restaurants and fast-food establishments’ dine-in services will be allowed to operate at more than half capacity, in accordance with guidelines of corresponding local government units (LGUs).
LGUs were directed to monitor compliance with public health standards, the increase in operating capacity, menu offerings and maximum servings of alcoholic beverages of food establishments.
Malls and non-leisure commercial centers will also be permitted to operate at 100 percent capacity until 11 p.m. daily in GCQ and MGCQ areas. Pertinent guidelines and provisions will be issued later, the DTI said.
Barbershops and salons will be allowed to operate at a maximum of 75 percent capacity. Full body massage services remained prohibited.
Gyms, testing and review centers, internet cafes (only for work and educational purposes), drive-in cinemas and pet-grooming services will be allowed to operate at half capacity under MGCQ and at 30 percent capacity in GCQ areas.
Subject to the country’s minimum health standards, the following businesses under Categories II and III will also be allowed to operate at full capacity:
- Mining and quarrying (domestic)
- Financial services (money exchange, insurance, reinsurance, lending, non-compulsory pension funding)
- Legal and accounting
- Management consultancy activities
- Architecture and engineering activities, technical testing and analysis
- Scientific and research development
- Advertising and market research
- Computer programming, information service activities and other computer-related activities
- Publishing and printing services
- Film, music and TV production
- Recruitment and placement agencies for overseas employment
- Photography services, fashion, industrial, graphic and interior design
- Wholesale and retail trade of motor vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and their parts and components
- Repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles (including vulcanizing shops, battery repair shops, auto repair shops, car wash)
- Malls and commercial centers (non-leisure only; subject to further pertinent guidelines issued by the Department of Trade and Industry)
The following non-leisure wholesale and retail establishments (mall-based or otherwise) may also begin operating at full capacity in areas placed under more relaxed community quarantine:Hardware stores;
- Clothing and accessories;
- Bookstores and school and office supplies stores;
- Baby or infant care supplies stores;
- Pet shops, pet food and pet care supplies;
- IT, communications and electronic equipment;
- Flower, jewelry, novelty, antique, perfume shops;
- Toy store (playgrounds and amusement area closed);
- Music stores;
- Art galleries (selling only); and
- Firearms and ammunition trading establishments.