IATF: Religious, work gatherings now banned under GCQ

Members of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) have agreed to prohibit large religious and work-related gatherings under the general community quarantine (GCQ).

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the IATF has discussed the matter anew, following some objections and complaints from local officials on the initial decision due to the impossibility of implementing social distancing in the said gatherings.

Meanwhile, Roque clarified that all proceeds of BPOs from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will all be allotted for COVID-19-related expenses amid the decision of the IATF to allow partial operation of POGOs which he described as a BPO.

Roque emphasized that POGOs in debt with PAGCOR and debts in terms of government taxes are not allowed to operate. He added that only 30 percent work capacity is allowed.

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo in a separate statement assured the government is doing all necessary measures to address COVID-19.

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