Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion proposed to allow 50% capacity for indoor dining if the customers were fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque earlier announced that Metro Manila and four other provinces would be under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions protocol from today, July 23, until July 31.
Under GCQ with heightened restrictions, the allowed maximum operating capacity of several businesses is limited to:
20 % for indoor dining
50 % for al fresco and
30% for personal care services
GCQ with heightened restrictions also prohibits aged 5 to 17 years old from going outdoors.
“Of course, that [new protocol] has a huge impact [on the economy]. One problem is that 20 percent is allowed for indoor dining,” Concepcion said during the Laging Handa briefing.
“Siguro naman, kung fully vaccinated, puwede itaas sa 50% man lang e. Kasi kung lahat ng kasama ay fully vaccinated, the risk of infection is very rare. We have to take that risk,” he added.
(Maybe if all occupants are fully vaccinated, we can increase the capacity to 50% since the risk of infection in that situation is very rare.)
Concepcion said he will consult Health Secretary Francisco Duque III about his recommendation.
“We are all fearful of the Delta variant, we have to protect the economy against the Delta variant, but we have to balance it out para hindi naman bumagsak ang mga negosyo (so that businesses will not go bankrupt),” Concepcion said.
50% capacity for indoor dining for fully vaccinated customers pushed
Other businesses prohibited under GCQ with heightened restrictions include entertainment venues such as bars, concert halls, theaters, etc; recreational venues, such as internet cafes, billiards halls, arcades, etc; amusement parks, fairs, playgrounds, kiddie rides; indoor sports courts and venues and indoor tourist attractions; venues for meetings, conferences, and exhibitions.
GCQ with heightened restrictions from July 23rd to 31st include:
- Metro Manila
- Ilocos Norte
- Ilocos Sur
- Davao de Oro
- Davao del Norte
Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro, City of Gingoog, Iloilo City, and Iloilo province have been placed under the strictest lockdown or Enhanced Community Quarantine.
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