Due to rising COVID-19 cases in the National Capital Region and nearby provinces, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) tonight ordered the immediate temporary closure of some activities that were recently reopened or expanded such as traditional cinemas, gaming arcades, museum, driving schools, museums, cultural centers, and Department of Tourism accredited establishments.
In a late Thursday message to reporters, Lopez said the immediate implementation of the temporary closure will last for two weeks only for areas under the general community quarantine status. The order will last for the next weeks or up until Easter Sunday. DTI will issue the new circular tomorrow, March 19.
In addition, capacities for MICE (meetings, incentives, conference, exhibits) venues will be scaled back to 30 percent while dine-in capacities in restaurants, cafes and personal care services are back to 50 percent.
Establishments are required to improve ventilation such as open windows, doors and use air purifiers. Lopez has again reminded consumers to avoid crowded places. Est
Lopez, however, said that based on their monitoring, establishments have over 95 percent compliance to health protocols. Establishments have also a high compliance rate as to the wearing of proper face masks at 92 percent to 100 percent; face shield 43 percent to 100 percent; and no talking and eating in shuttle and confined areas at 56 percent to 100 percent.
Establishments also have high compliance rating on proper ventilation requirements at 75 percent to 100 percent, frequent and proper disinfection at 88 percent to 100 percent, and appropriate physical distancing at 88 percent to 100 percent.
Earlier today, Lopez disclosed that he tested COVID-19 positive for the second time.