MANILA, Philippines – The government’s task force for COVID-19 response has allowed the reopening of more businesses in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ), Malacañang announced Friday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) has approved the reopening and further expansion of the following businesses/industries:

• Driving schools
• Traditional cinemas
• Video and interactive-game arcades
• Libraries 
• Archives
• Museums and cultural centers

The conduct of meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, and limited social events at credited establishments of the Department of Tourism have also been allowed.

The IATF approved the new policy during its 99^th meeting on Thursday, February 11, as authorities sought to boost the country’s economy battered by the pandemic.

“Also approved is the reopening of limited tourist attractions, such as parks, theme parks, natural sites and historical landmarks,” Roque said.

He stressed that the reopening and further expansion of businesses/industries “shall be subject to the issuance of the implementing guidelines which will provide for the operational capacity, and oversight of the appropriate regulatory agency and the concerned local government units where these businesses/industries are located.”

“These businesses/industries shall comply with the strict observance of minimum public health standards set by the Department of Health,” Roque added.

Metro Manila is under GCQ for the month of February, as well as the Cordillera Administrative Region, Batangas, Tacloban City, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, and Iligan City.

The rest of the country is under modified GCQ, the loosest quarantine restriction level.

MANILA, Philippines – The government’s task force for COVID-19 response has relaxed the restrictions on mass gatherings for religious activities in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ), Malacañang announced Friday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) will allow up to 50 percent seating or venue capacity for religious gatherings in GCQ areas starting February 15.

The IATF approved the new policy during its 99^th meeting on Thursday, February 11, Roque added.

At present, the government allows only up to 30% of venue’s capacity for religious gatherings in GCQ areas as part of the measures to curb the spread of novel coronavirus disease.

Areas under GCQ include Metro Manila, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Batangas, Tacloban City, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, and Iligan City.

MANILA, Philippines – The general community quarantine (GCQ) remains in effect in Metro Manila and six other areas following announcement of new quarantine classifications in the country.

Effective February 1, the National Capital Region along with the Cordillera Administrative Region, Batangas Province, Tacloban City, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Lanao Del Sur and Iligan City stay under GCQ.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country will be under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

However, the stricter enhanced community quarantine classification in Passi City, Iloilo took effect on January 28 and will last until February 11 due to a high number of cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Mayor Stephen Palmares of the Passi City said he was prompted to order the decision as 80 percent of barangays in the city has been penetrated by the virus.