Palace announced Friday that the guidelines have changed and that work and religious gatherings are still not allowed in areas under the GCQ or general community quarantine.
“Nabago ang guidelines, bawal pa rin po ang work gatherings at religious activities maski sa ilalim ng GCQ,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said over the phone during the Laging Handa press briefing.
(The guidelines have changes, work gatherings and religious activities are still prohibited under the GCQ.)
Malacañang announced yesterday that religious work and religious gatherings would be allowed in GCQ areas provided that “strict social distancing, defined as the strict maintenance of at least two meters distance between and among persons present, and the mandatory wearing of face mask, face shield, or other facial protective equipment is maintained during the entirety of the event.”
Presidential Spokesperson said local officials expressed their concern about allowing religious activities citing that it might defeat the purpose of preventing coronavirus spread.
Roque said this the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to review and revise its policy.
Sectors NOT allowed during ECQ and GCQ
- Sports-related mass gatherings, including but not limited to trainings, games, tournaments, championships
- Libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural activities
- Gambling and betting activities
- Travel Agency, tour operator, reservation service and related activities
- Activities of membership organization
- Gyms/Fitness studios and sports facilities
- Entertainment-related mass gatherings including but not limited to theaters, cinemas, large concerts, festivals, carnivals, conventions, shows, pubs, and bars
- Business-related mass gathering including but not limited to trade shows, conferences, conventions, workshops, retreats
- Politically-related mass gatherings, including but not limited to election rallies, polling centers, parades, speeches/addresses
Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) meanwhile were allowed to partially operate amid the enhanced community quarantine implementation until May 15.
Malacañang said POGOs are considered to be part of the BPO industry, which is allowed to operate under GCQ.
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo said 30% of the workforce in POGOs would be allowed to report, provided that they should follow precautionary measures.
Public transportation in GCQ areas will also resume partial operation today provided that a “one-meter distance between passengers” is observed. Jeepneys, however, are still not allowed.