Published — June 1, 2022
The following post does not create a lawyer-client relationship between Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices (or any of its lawyers) and the reader. It is still best for you to engage the services of your own lawyer to address your legal concerns, if any.
Also, the matters contained in the following were written in accordance with the law, rules, and jurisprudence prevailing at the time of writing and posting, and do not include any future developments on the subject matter under discussion.
Read also: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GUIDELINES FOR AREAS PLACED UNDER GENERAL COMMUNITY QUARANTINE (GCQ)
Some parts of the Philippines are already under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) since June 01, 2020 while the National Capital Region were among those areas under General Community Quarantine. What is MGCQ? According to the Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines issued by Inter-Agency Task Force, MGCQ refers to the transition phase between General Community Quarantine (GCQ) and New Normal, when temporary measures are relaxed. The measures on limiting the movement and transportation, the regulation of operating industries, and the presence of uniformed personnel to enforce community quarantine protocols become less necessary.
What should citizens expect in areas under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine? Unlike in GCQ, all persons are now allowed outside their residence. As a consequence, private transportation such as company shuttles and personal vehicles utilized by persons authorized outside their residences are allowed subject to the guidelines provided by the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The use of bikes and other non-motorized transportation are strongly encouraged. The road, rail, maritime and aviation sectors of public transportation shall be allowed to operate at the capacity in accordance with guidelines issued by the DOTr. In all public transports, bear in mind the strict one (1) meter distance between passengers.
For sports enthusiast, individual and group outdoor exercises including non-contact sports such as golf, tennis, table tennis, swimming, and the likes shall be allowed provided that minimum public health standards shall be strictly enforced. Public gatherings, such as movie screenings, concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment activities, community assemblies, religious gatherings shall be limited to 50% of the venue or seating capacity.
Industries under Category I, II and III are now allowed at maximum operational capacity. Nevertheless, barber shops, salons, and other personal care service establishments shall be allowed to operate at a maximum of fifty (50%) percent venue capacity. The same is true with dine-in service in food retail establishments such as supermarkets, grocery stores, and food preparation establishments shall be allowed provided that the seating capacity may not exceed 50%. Also, Category IV and all other establishments not permitted to operate under GCQ are now allowed to operate at a maximum of 50% operational capacity. Work in government offices may be at full operational capacity, or under such alternative work arrangements as agencies may deem appropriate in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations issued by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). Accredited diplomatic missions and international organizations may resume full operations. Work in all public and private offices with alternative arrangements for persons who are sixty (60) years old and above, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidities, or other health risks, and pregnant women are now allowed to resume physical work in full capacity.
Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices specializes in business law and labor law consulting. For inquiries, you may reach us at info@alburolaw.com, or dial us at (02)7745-4391/0917-5772207.
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