By ARGYLL GEDUCOS
More personal care, entertainment, and learning establishments were allowed by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to resume operating at limited capacity starting Saturday.
In a statement, presidential spokesman Harry Roque announced that the IATF allowed on Thursday the reclassification of some industries from Category IV to Category III to allow their limited operations.
The following businesses that are allowed to operate in areas under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) but at 30 percent capacity only:
— Health-related testing, tutorial centers, and review centers.
— Gyms, fitness centers, and sports facilities.
— Internet cafes.
— Establishments offering personal grooming and aesthetic services.
— Pet grooming.
— Drive-in cinemas.
The IATF, in their 59th meeting, likewise approved the following business activities under Category IV to operate only in areas under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ):
— Full body massage.
— Tattoo and body piercing.
— Live events.
— Entertainment industries.
— Libraries, archives, museums, and cultural centers.
— Tourist destinations.
— Language, driving, and dance, acting, voice schools.
According to Roque, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in coordination with the Department of Health (DoH), is crafting the mandatory health protocols for each business activity.
Meanwhile, cockfighting and the operation of cockpits, beerhouses, and similar establishments primarily serving alcoholic drinks are still not allowed to operate.
Kid amusement industries including amusement parks also remain prohibited in any form of community quarantine.
The current quarantine is set to lapse on Friday.
According to Roque, President Duterte will announce on Thursday the new quarantine classification applicable to each area in the country.
