DTI to expand operating capacity of dine-in services in GCQ, MGCQ areas on July 21

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is increasing the operating capacity of food establishments’ dine-in services in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) starting July 21.

This was announced by Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez on Tuesday.

“‘Yung 30% operating capacity ng dine-in restaurants maa-adjust na rin po sa July 21 to 50% sa GCQ areas,” Lopez said during the Laging Handa public briefing.

“Sa modified GCQ ay from 50% to 75%,” he said.

The Trade chief said the compliance rate of dine-in food establishments are satisfactory ranging between 92% to 100%.

Increasing the operating capacity of industries allowed to reopen under community quarantine measures is anchored on the government’s move to gradually reopen the economy.

Nevertheless, Lopez said dine-in food establishments must strictly comply with health protocols such as social distancing, proper ventilation, installation of acrylic dividers, wearing of face masks, among others.

The Trade chief also called on local government units to extend their curfew hours so that dine-in establishments can have customers turnout.

“Ine-enjoin din sana ang mga local government units na i-allow nila ang extension ng curfew nila na imbes na 10 p.m. gawing 12 [midnight] para ang mga restaurants can operate from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. doon po kasi ‘yung maximum operating hours,” Lopez said.

“Makakadagdag sa kikitain ng workers kasi it will mean more turnover sa mga nagdi-dinner... at ‘pag naputol nang maaga ay bawas kita rin po ‘yan,” he said. — RSJ, GMA News