Religious gatherings limited to 10 persons, review centers to remain shut in GCQ areas —Palace

The government reimposed the 10-person limit on religious gatherings and barred review and tutorial centers from operating in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ), Malacañang said Wednesday.

Previously, the government allowed religious gatherings up to 10% of a venue’s capacity in GCQ areas.

Speaking to CNN Philippines, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the restrictions were approved by the National Task Force Against COVID-19 on Tuesday following a request by the Metro Manila mayors for a stricter implementation of GCQ.

Restaurants and salons will be allowed to resume operations but the capacity will be determined by the local government units (LGUs), Roque said. He also said gyms and internet cafes would remain closed in GCQ areas.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said Wednesday gyms, review centers, internet cafes will remain closed until August 31 in "areas recently declared under MECQ until Aug. 18, and declared GCQ starting Aug. 19"

LGUs may require quarantine passes, especially in areas under localized lockdown, and back-riding on motorcycles will be allowed as long as the passenger is an authorized person outside of residence (APOR), Roque said.

Motorcycle barriers are no longer required for riders living in the same house. However, riders not living in the same household must have a motorcycle barrier.  Both riders must also wear full-face helmets and face masks.

Roque also said Metro Manila mayors have agreed to implement a daily curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, and Rizal were placed under GCQ from August 19 to 31.  

Other areas placed under GCQ were Nueva Ecija, Batangas, Quezon, Iloilo City, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City, and the municipalities of Minglanilla and Consolacion in Cebu province.

The rest of the country will be under modified general community quarantine. —AOL/KG, GMA News