DTI: Opening of business establishments meant to revive economy

Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez said selected businesses were allowed to temporarily operate in MECQ (modified enhanced community quarantine) areas in a bid to slowly revive the Philippine economy.

“We remain cautious about opening, though our objective is to allow people to return to jobs and restart the economy, which is why we reopen some establishments that were closed under ECQ (enhanced community quarantine),” Lopez said.

Lopez said malls and other business establishments allowed to operate are required to follow minimum health protocols, which can be accessed on the DTI’s website.

He however warned the public that it is still unsafe to go outside while the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing. 

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has lifted the ECQ in Metro Manila and other areas and shifted to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) on May 16. 

Some essential business establishments are allowed to operate under MECQ.

Barbershops, salons, gyms, entertainment and leisure activities and other mass gathering activities are still not allowed to operate under MECQ. 

The Philippines has 12,305 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of May 16.