Malacañang announced the IATF has approved the limited operations of more industries prior to President Duterte’s expected announcement of new quarantine measures tomorrow.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the IATF authorized the gradual resumption of operations with 30 percent operational capacity of testing and tutorial centers, review centers, gyms, fitness centers and sports facilities, internet cafes, personal grooming and aesthetic services, pet grooming, and drive-in cinemas in areas under GCQ. The return of the said operations will begin on August 1.
For areas under MGCQ, business activities have also been allowed including full body massage, tattoo and body piercing, live events, entertainment industries, libraries, archives, museums, cultural centers, tourist destinations, and language, driving, dance/acting/voice schools.
Roque said the DTI, through the help of DOH, will release mandatory health protocols for each of the said activities.
Cockfighting and operation of cockpits, beerhouses and similar establishments, and child amusement industries remain prohibited under any type of community quarantine.
Meanwhile, Roque said the DOH has already submitted a recommendation regarding the new quarantine classification which was adopted by the IATF, except for one,
“Pero hindi po natin pwedeng isapubliko ‘yan, dahil ang Presidente po ang mag-aanunsyo niyan bukas. Magkakaroon po ng major changes pagdating po sa ating pagsugpo sa COVID-19. Iyon po ang aking masasabi (We cannot publicize it because the President will announce it tomorrow. There will be major changes in the measures. That’s what I can say). It will not be business as usual. Mayroon po tayong bagong istratehiya na ipatutupad simula bukas (New strategies will be imposed starting tomorrow),” Roque disclosed.
“Naiintindihan po natin na bagama’t mababa ang ating mga namamatay, bagama’t mababa pa rin ang ating positivity rate, at bagama’t sapat pa rin ang ating hospital beds, kinakailangan talaga mapababa yung numero (We understand that even if the fatality and positivity rates are low, and even if hospital beds are still enough, we need to cut down the number [of cases]),” he further stated.
Roque added that the government will be taking “a new approach” and some measures that have already been undertaken will be intensified. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
