Several businesses in GCQ areas OK’d by DTI to operate at 100%

MANILA, Philippines — Several businesses in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) are now allowed to operate at 100 percent capacity as the government further reopens the COVID-19 pandemic-hit economy.

In a memorandum circular issued Friday, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said business establishments or activities under Categories II and III in areas placed under GCQ are now allowed to operate at full capacity.

Meanwhile, barbershops and salons can now operate up to 75 percent capacity.

The following are business establishments or activities under Categories II and III:

1. Mining and Quarrying (domestic);

2. Other financial services (e.g., money exchange, insurance, reinsurance, lending companies, and non-compulsory pension funding);

3. Legal and Accounting;

4. Management Consultancy Activities;

5. Architecture and Engineering Activities; Technical Testing and Analysis;

6. Scientific and Research Development;

7. Advertising and Market Research;

8. Computer programming (such as writing, modifying, testing and supporting software, planning and designing computer systems), information service activities (such as data processing and hosting activities) and other related activities;

9. Publishing and printing services (such as printing of newspapers, magazines, and other periodicals, books, brochures, manuscripts, posters, maps, atlases, advertising catalogs, prospectuses, etc; printing directly onto textiles, plastic, glass, metal wood, and ceramics);

10. Film, music, and TV production;

11. Recruitment and placement agencies for overseas employment;

12. Other services such as photography services; fashion, industrial, graphic, and interior design;

13. Wholesale and retail trade of motor vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles, including their parts and components;

14. Repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles (including vulcanizing shops, battery repair shops, auto repair shops, car wash);

15. Malls and commercial centers (non-leisure only), subject further to pertinent guidelines issued by DTI;

16. Non-leisure wholesale and retail establishments (mall-based or otherwise), such as: a. Hardware stores; b. Clothing and accessories; c. Bookstores and school and office supplies stores; d. Baby or infant care supplies stores; e. Pet shops, pet food and pet care supplies; f. IT, communications, and electronic equipment; g. Flower, jewelry, novelty, antique, perfume shops; h. Toy store (playgrounds and amusement area closed); i. Music stores; j. Art galleries (selling only); and k. Firearms and ammunition trading establishment.

17. All other public and private construction projects, subject further to strict compliance to the issued construction safety guidelines for the implementation of infrastructure projects during the COVID-19 pandemic by the Department of Public Works and Highways; and

18. Barbershops and Salons

As for restaurants and food establishments, these are now allowed to operate beyond 50 percent capacity subject to physical distancing, according to the DTI memo.

“Restaurants and fast-food establishments’ dine-in, take-out, and delivery services shall be allowed to operate up to 24 hours a day, as far as practicable, to augment the additional operational requirements and serve the needs of the public, while enhancing income opportunities for workers,” the DTI said.[ac]