The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will help establishments hit reasonable profit by increasing their operational capacities but a new warning by health authorities that the new coronavirus disease is airborne may pose a challenge to these stores.
DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said restaurants will be allowed to operate 50 percent of their dine-in capacities in general community quarantine (GCQ) areas effective July 21, a month after they were allowed to operate at 30 percent. A memorandum circular will be issued this week.
Effective July 16, barber shops and salons will be allowed to operate up to 50 percent of capacity from 30 percent in areas under GCQ and from 50 percent to 75 percent under modified GCQ as provided under MC No. 20-38 issued by the DTI on July 5.
The MC also expanded the services on all haircutting and hair treatment services under GCQ, subject to strict protocol on hand sanitation, face mask and face shields, gloves, and sterilized equipment. For areas under MCGQ, all services will be allowed.
But Lopez called for stricter implementation of protocols and for customers to be extra cautious especially after the Department of Health had agreed with findings that the virus can stay in the air in confined spaces.
This could discourage consumers from going out and would mean additional expenses for establishments.
Lopez said establishments have to enhance their exhaust system for proper ventilation and recommends putting up clear acrylic dividers, 18 inches in height to prevent transmission.
While he agrees air purifiers will help especially in closed spaces, these are expensive on the part of restaurant owners.
“At 30 percent capacity, many micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) still earn below breakeven income, and workers are only able to receive limited earnings. These increases in capacities are meant to enhance the income opportunities of the workers and MSMEs to save jobs,” Lopez said in a statement.
“We just have to manage and live with the virus. It will be here to stay. We need to balance health and economy. It is time to restart the economy and provide more livelihood,” Lopez said in a text message.
He said the government started at 30 percent as a means to gradually reopen and to test the compliance of establishments to minimum health protocols, as well as not to shock the system.
Lopez said by increasing operational capacities of these establishments, they will be able to accommodate more customers and improve revenues and income.
He said the DTI was encouraged by the high compliance of barbershops and salons at around 90 to 100 percent.
