MANILA – The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) is in support of the gradual reopening of the country’s economy amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the IATF-EID approved the recommendation of the economic development cluster for a further restart “in increments proportional to the healthcare capacity of the country.”
The IATF also moved for the continuous improvement of hospital care capacity, further reopening of public transportation “in such manner that is safe and sufficient,” and maintaining the current community quarantine classifications with stricter implementation and observance of health protocols.
Several businesses and activities, particularly under Categories II and III, in areas placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) are now allowed to operate at full capacity.
Malls and shopping centers can operate up to 11 p.m. in GCQ areas. Barbershops and salons, meanwhile, are allowed to operate up to 75 percent capacity and restaurants at 50 percent capacity or higher.
“For this purpose, escalation of community quarantine levels shall be reserved as last resort to address the rising COVID-19 situation in their jurisdiction,” Roque said in a virtual press conference from Boracay Island on Monday.
The country’s gross domestic product contracted by 16.5 percent in April to June, its worst on record. Two straight quarters of contraction brought the economy to recession for the first time since 1991./PN
