Dine-in restos, salons, gyms to close again under MECQ — DTI

Businesses recently allowed to open under the general community quarantine (GCQ) — such as dine-in restaurants, barbershops, gyms, and internet cafes — have been ordered to again temporarily shut down as stricter lockdowns return in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

In a statement released Monday, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said businesses will be given the next 15 days to prepare for "better processes and facilities" under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from August 4 to 18.

The MECQ covers Metro Manila, Bulacan, and Region IV-A or Calabarzon.

"We hope that this break will allow these businesses to sufficiently prepare for better processes and facilities for compliance to the health standards when they soon reopen," said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

The sectors not allowed to conduct physical business under MECQ include the following:

• Barbershops and salons
• Gyms/Fitness studios and Sports Facilities
• Testing and tutorial centers
• Review centers
• Internet cafes
• Drive-in cinemas
• Pet grooming services
• Language, driving, dance/acting/voice schools
• Entertainment industries (traditional cinemas, theaters)
• Libraries, archives, museums, and cultural centers

Tourist destinations

Travel agencies, tour operators, reservation service, and related activities

Businesses such as cockpits, beerhouses, and kid amusement centers and similar establishments are also not allowed under any form of community quarantine.

"We wish that this move back to MECQ will break the increasing trend of positive COVID cases and will eventually allow us to bring back the much needed livelihood and jobs to many of our countrymen," said Lopez. — RSJ, GMA News