The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on Friday implemented stricter protocols in general community quarantine (GCQ) areas effective immediately until April 4, 2021.
In an online briefing, Presidential and IATF Spokesperson Harry Roque said the following measures shall be in place, as ordered under the IATF Resolution No. 103:
a. The operations of driving schools, traditional cinemas and video- and
interactive- game arcades, libraries, archives, museums, and cultural
centers, limited social events at accredited establishments of the DOT, and
limited tourist attractions except open-air tourist attractions shall be
temporarily suspended;
b. Meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) events shall be
limited to essential business gatherings at thirty percent (30%) venue
capacity;
c. Religious gatherings shall observe a maximum of thirty percent (30%) of
the venue capacity provided that there is no objection from the local government unit where the religious gathering may take place. Provided further, that such LGUs have the discretion to allow higher venue capacity not exceeding fifty percent (50%) based on conditions in their localities;
d. Venue capacity of dine-in restaurants, cafes, personal care services shall be reduced to a maximum of fifty percent (50%) of capacity;
e. National government agencies are encouraged to defer the conduct of non critical activities that would entail mass gatherings; and
f. Cockfighting and cockpit operations are suspended, including in areas under Modified General Community Quarantine.
According to Secretary Roque, these protocols aim to curb the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the country, especially in Metro Manila. — Mela Lesmoras
