IATF to release list of businesses allowed to reopen in MECQ

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque during his regular online briefing. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The government task force leading the country’s COVID-19 response is set to release a list of businesses that are allowed to reopen in areas under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), Malacañang said Thursday.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases will meet this Thursday to identify the businesses that may operate under MECQ.

“Bagamat tayo po ay nasa MECQ dahil ang ninanais nga natin ay yung total health ng ating mga mamamayan na kung hindi naman dahil sa COVID ay maraming mamamatay sa kagutuman, magkakaroon po ng listahan ng mga industriya at negosyo na pwepwedeng pabuksan bagamat MECQ pa rin po,” Roque said in an interview over Teleradyo.

(Although we are under MECQ, since we want total health of the people because if not due to COVID, many may die of hunger, there will be a list of industries and businesses that can reopen even though we’re under MECQ.)

“MECQ pa rin po tayo pero magpupulong po ang IATF para apruban kung ano yung mga industriya na puwede nang buksan,” he added.

(We will still be under MECQ but the IATF will meet to approve which industries can reopen.)

Roque said they are looking at “gradually reopening” to allow more Filipinos to return to their livelihood despite the strict quarantine measures.

NCR Plus which includes Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite, and Laguna will stay under MECQ until May 14.

Santiago City in Quirino province and Abra province are also under MECQ but for the entire month of May.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Benhur Abalos said some businesses they are looking at reopening at a limited capacity include dine-in restaurants and barbershops.

“What if may strict protocols yung mga barbero? It’s being considered. Sabi ko nga, baka pupuwedeng maski 10 percent of the dine-in or 20 as long as there are protocols to be set by the medical experts,” Abalos said in an interview over CNN Philippines.

(What if there are strict protocols set for barbershops? It’s being considered. Like I said, maybe we can allow even just 10 percent or 20 percent of the dine-in as long as there are protocols to be set by the medical experts.)

“Basta ang importante lang dito, there should be no spread of the virus, at the same time, iisa isahin natin ang mga negosyo na puwede,” he added.

(What’s important is there should be no spread of the virus, at the same time, we will look at each business that can be reopened.)

/MUF