Gov't restricts business, religious gatherings anew in GCQ areas

The government has restricted business and religious gatherings at 30% of capacity in general community quarantine (GCQ) areas in light of the surge in COVID-19 cases, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Friday.

Roque said the 30% limit on business and religious gatherings -- which was down from the previous 50% -- in GCQ areas, including Metro Manila, will be in place until April 4.

Restaurants in GCQ areas, on the other hand, will only be allowed to operate at 50% of capacity. Previously, restaurant owners are allowed to determine the limit as they see fit as long as minimum public health standards, including social distancing, is observed.

Cockfighting operations, meanwhile, are suspended in the whole country.

The Philippines has recorded over 4,000 new COVID-19 cases per day for the past week, even recording over 5,000 new COVID-19 cases a day at least twice in that span.

At least 64% of ICU beds for COVID-19 patients in the National Capital Region are already occupied, according to the government. Under the Health Department’s classification, such level is already at moderate risk. —KBK, GMA News