DTI allows 50% dine-in cap for restos beginning July 21
IN line with government’s thrust to reopen the economy, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has announced it will allow restaurants to operate up to 50 percent dine-in capacity starting July 21 in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ).
Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez on Monday told reporters the DTI is set to issue another memorandum circular this week for the operation of up to 50 percent dine in of restaurants in GCQ areas. He explained the order will be effective on July 21, or a month
after allowing dine-in services at 30 percent.
However, Lopez reminded business owners and customers alike to implement health protocols to the maximum to ensure precaution against the virus.
“We should be stricter in implementing the health protocols, and customers [should] be extra careful, which means still wearing masks if not eating for the moment, safe social distancing and frequent sanitation of hands. We just have to manage and live with the virus,” Lopez said.
In defense of his decision to further reopen business operations, Lopez pointed out the virus “will be here to stay,” and the best recourse is to balance health and economy.
“[We] need to balance health and economy and time to restart the economy [to] provide more livelihood at this time. Note also that treatments are getting better with more recoveries,” the trade chief explained.
Last week the government permitted barber shops and salons to open more services to their customers in areas under GCQ status.
From just haircut and hair treatment, barber shops and salons are now allowed to do nail care, basic facial care and basic personal-care services. On the other hand, workers are required to continue practicing health standards in carrying out their services, particularly the wearing of face masks and face shields and rubber gloves, as well as sterilizing their equipment.
Also, barber shops and salons are now authorized to operate at 50 percent capacity, from just 30 percent in their initial reopening.
Last week business leaders polled by the Businessmirror asked the government to allow the full, or 100 percent operation, of sectors deemed crucial in the economy’s recovery. They specified the construction and manufacturing sectors as needed to be reopened fully to fill in the growing requirements for infrastructure and finished goods.