Seminars, workshops now allowed

The government began easing restrictions in June in an effort to revive the domestic economy which suffered from its worst downturn in almost three decades

Workshops, seminars, conferences, and other related events will be partially allowed in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) as authorities ease restrictions to boost the economy, Malacañang announced Friday.

The country’s pandemic response task force allowed board meetings, colloquia, conclaves, symposia, and consumer trade shows to be held in GCQ areas, with venues to be filled up to 30 percent of their capacity, said presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

He said permitted venues include restaurants in general; restaurants attached to hotels; ballrooms and function halls within hotels; venues within hotel premises; and mall atria.

The Palace official added the departments of Tourism and Trade are tasked to issue the necessary guidelines on the matter.

Early this year, the government imposed large-scale lockdowns that prohibited any form of gatherings to prevent coronavirus transmission, which paralyzed economic and social activities.

The government began easing restrictions in June in an effort to revive the domestic economy which suffered from its worst downturn in almost three decades.

Metro Manila, Batangas, Iloilo City, Tacloban City, Lanao del Sur, Iligan, Davao City have been placed under GCQ until the end of the year. On the other hand, the rest of the country is under modified GCQ, the most relaxed lockdown status in a four-tier classification.

The Philippines has confirmed over 435,000 coronavirus infections as of Thursday afternoon.

MJ BLANCAFLOR