Malacaῆang clarified the partial mall opening starting May is exclusively allowed in areas not covered by the enhanced community quarantine. This means that partial mall opening will only be allowed for COVID-19 moderate and low-risk areas placed under general community quarantine (GCQ).
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said only selected stores in malls are allowed to open such as supermarkets, drugstores, banks, laundry service, restaurants, and hardware stores.
Roque further explained that persons who are not sick, within the age range of 21 to 59 years-old with IDs will be permitted to enter malls. Bystanders are prohibited, and mall operators must provide masks and gloves to their workers.
“Ang aircon po ay dapat nasa 26 degrees at aalisin po ang free WiFi para wala ngang tatambay sa mga malls (Aircon temperature must be set at 26 degrees, and WiFi must be removed to prevent bystanders),” Roque added.
Some industries in areas under GCQ may return to full operations by next month including agriculture, fishery and forestry, food manufacturing with its entire supply chain including ink, packaging, raw materials; food retail, supermarket, market, restaurants for takeout and delivery; healthcare, hospitals, clinics, drugstores; and logistics, water, energy, internet, telecoms, and media.
Meanwhile, leisure amusement and gaming fitness, kid industry, tourism, and all gatherings including religious conferences will remain closed.
Report from Mela Lesmoras
