MECQ, GCQ rules in Northern Luzon

EDITORIAL

As many areas in the country moved to different or new quarantine classifications for the second half of June, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque enumerated the basic do’s and don’ts for areas under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) and the three different stages of general community quarantine (GCQ).
    For the 21 areas under the MECQ, Roque said al-fresco or outdoor dining is allowed up to 50 percent of the venue capacity while only 10 percent is allowed for indoor dining.
    Outdoor sports, courts, and venues are allowed up to 50 percent while personal care establishments like barbershops, salons, and nail spas can operate up to 30 percent of the venue capacity.
    Religious activities are allowed up to 10 percent of the venue’s capacity only.
    Contact sports; indoor sports; tourist attractions; and venues for meetings, conferences, incentives, and exhibitions are not allowed under MECQ.
    The following areas are under MECQ until the end of the month in North Luzon are City of Santiago, Isabela; Cagayan, Apayao and Ifugao.
    For areas under the normal GCQ, indoor dining; indoor and outdoor sports; personal care establishments; indoor and outdoor tourism; and venues for meetings, conferences, incentives, and exhibitions are all allowed up to 50 percent of their capacity.
    Religious activities can accommodate participants up to 30 percent of its venue capacity but local government units (LGUs) are allowed to raise it to 50 percent.
    The following areas are under the normal GCQ until June 30: Baguio City, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Abra, Benguet, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino.
    For Metro Manila and Bulacan, the two areas under GCQ with “some restrictions,” both indoor dining and gyms are allowed to operate at 30 percent venue capacity. Roque said they can accommodate up to 40 percent if they have the safety seal certification from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
    For GCQ with heightened restrictions, indoor dining is allowed at 30 percent venue capacity.
    Religious gatherings are allowed at 30 percent capacity but LGUs can allow up to 50 percent.