Guidelines for areas under GCQ starting May 1, 2020

Areas in the country with low and moderate risk of COVID-19 outbreak would be under general community quarantine beginning on May 1.

According to Malacañang, the guidelines for the implementation of GCQ are as follows:

• Minimum public health standards shall be complied with at all times for the duration of the GCQ
• The movement of all persons in areas placed under GCQ shall be limited to accessing essential goods and services and for work in the offices or industries permitted to operate. Leisure activities are not allowed.
• Persons below 21 years old and below and 60 years old and above, as well as those with immunodeficiency, health risk factors and pregnant women must stay at home except for obtaining essential goods and services or for work in permitted industries and offices
• Work in government offices may be at full operational capacity, or under such alternative work arrangements as agencies may deem proper in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations issued by the Civil Service Commission

Among the industries that could resume full operations were the following:

• agriculture,
• fishery,
• forestry,
• food manufacturing and its entire supply chain
• food retail (supermarket, market, and restaurant for takeout and delivery only),
• healthcare (hospitals, clinics, drugstores),
• logistics,
• information technology,
• telecommunications, and
• media.

Establishments that could operate at 50-100% capacity were the following:

• mining and other manufacturing,
• export-oriented,
• e-commerce companies,
• delivery for essential and non-essential items,
• repair and maintenance services, and
• housing and office services

For these establishments, a 50% onsite work and 50% work from home arrangement would be implemented

• financial services,
• business process outsourcing,
• legal and accounting and auditing services
• professional, scientific, technical and other non-leisure services, and
• other non-leisure wholesale and retail establishments

These establishments and activities, however, will remain closed/prohibited:

• schools,
• leisure,
• amusement,
• gaming,
• fitness,
• kids industry,
• tourism

Restricted mall openings covering non-leisure shops would be allowed, and priority and essential construction projects could resume.

Higher education Institutions may hold classes through flexible learning arrangements to finish the Academic Year 2019-2020.

They may operate at a limited capacity to receive students’ requirements and prepare and issue credentials to students subject to the guidelines as may be issued by the Commission on Higher Education.

Essential work gatherings and religious activities may continue provided that there is strict maintenance of at least two-meter distance between and among those attending.

The mandatory wearing of face mask, face shield, or other facial protective equipment by attendees must also be maintained during the entirety of the event.

The road, rail, maritime, and aviation sectors of public transportation shall operate at a reduced capacity as mandated by the Department of Transportation.

A strict one meter distance between passengers shall be observed and appropriate engineering controls must be in place. -NB, GMA News