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MANILA – More businesses in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal are set to open starting September 1.
During the Laging Handa briefing Monday, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said gyms, fitness centers, sports facilities, testing and tutorial centers, review centers, computer shops, personal care services, pet grooming services, and drive-in cinema are allowed to reopen Tuesday.
This is after the reopening of their sectors were postponed when the National Capital Region (NCR) and four other provinces transitioned from modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) to general community quarantine (GCQ).
“This also includes the easing of restriction for dine-in,” Lopez said in Filipino.
When NCR and the four other provinces were put under GCQ status last August 19, capacity for dine-in restaurants and fast-food establishments was at 30 percent.
On September 1, the capacity could be increased to 50 percent.
The DTI chief said 94 percent of economic sectors are open under GCQ but in general, only 75 percent of businesses are open as some of the owners opt to temporarily close their operations due to lower market demand.
“Moving forward, we want to bring back more jobs, and that is by opening more the economy,” Lopez said.
“But as we open the economy, it doesn’t mean we will be relaxed with health measures. We still need to strictly follow these protocols,” he added. (PNA)
