Dine-in allowed in GCQ areas

Restaurants in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) may now offer dine-in services as long as they strictly follow health protocols to prevent the transmission of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), according to Resolution No. 45 issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

Starting on June 15, restaurants may resume operations but only up to 30 percent of their capacity, the resolution said.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the decision balanced economic and public health considerations, as he noted that at least 11,000 individuals in Metro Manila were employed in restaurants.

Strict health standards

“We have very strict health standards on what restaurants should do to manage the spread of the disease. While those protocols are being followed, we think we can provide livelihood to the restaurants and their employees,” Roque said at a press briefing, adding that the restaurant’s compliance with minimum health standards, physical distancing, sanitation and hygiene, would be assessed “through a postaudit mechanism” by different government agencies.

Contactless orders

Previously, only restaurants in modified GCQ areas were allowed to resume dine-in operations this month.

The IATF had earlier approved health protocols for dine-in operations, which include transparent dividers for face-to-face seating, proper ventilation, and keeping tables at least a meter apart from each other.

Under the new IATF resolution, the taking of orders should be contactless, with fast-food establishments and restaurants providing each table with a menu.

Customers will be required to fill out a health declaration form, with restaurants allowed to reject those with a fever or respiratory symptoms.