Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos has identified which kinds of establishments won't be permitted to operate during the imposition of the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from Aug. 21 to 31, 2021.
Abalos came up with the list in an updated statement sent to reporters on Friday night, Aug. 20.
"Compared to a more stringent classification of ECQ (enhanced community quarantine), all industries and persons are allowed during MECQ except the following establishments, persons, or activities:
a. Entertainment venues with live performers;
b. Recreational venues;
c. Amusement parks or theme parks, fairs/peryas, kid amusement industries;
d. Outdoor sports courts or venues for contact sports, or scrimmages;
e. Indoor sports courts or venues, fitness studios, gyms, spas or other indoor
leisure facilities, and swimming pools;
f. Casinos, horse racing, cockfighting and operation of cockpits, lottery and
betting shops, and other gaming establishments except for the draws
conducted by the PCSO;
g. Indoor visitor or tourist attractions, libraries, archives, museums, galleries, and
cultural shows and exhibits;
h. Outdoor tourist attractions;
i. Venues for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions;
j. Personal care services which include beauty salons, beauty parlors, etc. ; and
k. Indoor dine-in services of food preparation establishments," the statement read.
An earlier statement from Abalos the same day did not mention these specific restrictions on business establishments.
"In previous MECQ, dining (al fresco and indoor), personal care services (beauty salons/parlors, barbershops, nail spas), and religious activities on limited capacities were allowed. This time, though, they are no longer allowed starting tomorrow's MECQ," he also noted.
He said that the conduct of religious gatherings will remain online or virtual.
"Meanwhile, as approved by the IATF , necrological services, wakes, inurnment and funerals shall be allowed, provided the immediate family members of the deceased who died of causes other than COVID-19 shall present satisfactory proof of their relationship with the deceased and that they fully comply with the prescribed minimum public health standards," added the MMDA chief.
Late Thursday night, Malacañang announced that the National Capital Region (NCR) would switch to an MECQ from Aug. 21 to 31. This, after the metropolis underwent two weeks of ECQ, the strictest quarantine level that equates to a hard, widespread lockdown.