The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on many people. While a lot of people have voiced out that they miss eating out at their favorite restaurants, it is more important to note that restaurant owners have been praying for ways to get their businesses up and running again.
Well, the COVID-19 task force has now approved the recommendation to allow restaurants in areas in the Philippines under the general community quarantine (GCQ) to partially resume dine-in services starting on June 15, 2020. The recommendation will be presented to President Rodrigo Duterte, who will make the final call and announce his decision on June 15.
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said they have come to this decision in order to help the workers who have struggled during quarantine. The initial proposal is to start things off gradually with a 30% operating capacity to start. This is also meant to prepare us for the eventual de-escalation of areas in GCQ to the modified GCQ in the near future.
If the President approves this, restaurants in Metro Manila, Davao, Zamboanga, Pangasinan, and various provinces in cities in Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Central Visayas, and Central Luzon will be able to offer dine-in services by June 15. Areas under the modified GCQ in the country have already reopened dine-in services to 50% capacity.
Of course, there will still be health protocols in place, including social distancing, disinfection, and the wearing of face masks. Clear or acrylic barriers will also be placed between customers. Lopez hopes that reopening these establishments and bringing back jobs will help the Philippines get back losses incurred during quarantine and restart the economy.
DTI USec. Ruth Castelo adds that buffet service and salad bars will still be prohibited in GCQ areas, though samgyupsal will be allowed.
???? ??: DTI USec. Ruth Castelo says, buffet service and salad bars are still prohibited in GCQ areas, but samgyupsal will be allowed. | via @claypardilla pic.twitter.com/A6R2BAod2M
— PTVph (@PTVph) June 11, 2020
Which restaurants do you miss the most?
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