(SPOT.ph) We're now nearly two months into the enhanced community quarantine over Metro Manila—and the very slight downgrade into a modified one starting May 16 can't come any sooner. The modified enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) means that certain shops will be allowed to gradually open with safety protocols. And if you're wondering which businesses you can expect, an official list was announced by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a virtual press briefing today, May 13.Â
Businesses which can open under the modified ECQ were classified into two categories: those fully allowed but with safety protocols, and those partially allowed to operate on a 50/50 basis. Partially allowed businesses will have to separate their workforce into halves, one working from home and the other working on site. Check out the list below:
Businesses fully allowed to operate under a modified ECQ:
- Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries
- Manufacturing of essential goods
- Hospitals and clinics (non-aesthetic)
- Essential retail such as supermarkets and drugstores
- Laundy shops
- Food preparation and water-refilling stations
- Logistics service providersÂ
- Delivery Services
- Utilities
- Repair and installation of machinery
- Telecommunications companies
- Energy companies
- Gasoline stations
- Construction work accredited by the Department of Public Works and Highways
- Media establishments
- Cement and steel
- Mining and quarrying
- Electronic commerce companies
- Postal, courier, and delivery services
- Export-oriented companies
- Repair of computers, personal, and household goods
- Housing service activities
- Special-purpose accomodation for frontliners, those under mandated quarantine
- Business Process Outsourcing companies (work from home, on-site accommodation, shuttle services)
- Banks, money transfer services, microfinance institutions, pawnshops, and credit cooperatives
- Capital markets
- Rental and leasing (other than real estate)
- Employment activities
Business allowed on partial operations under modified ECQ:
- Manufacturing of certain non-essential goods such as beverages, wood products, rubber and plastic products, et cetera
- Real estate activities
- Public and private construction work (small-scale not allowed)
- Office administrative and support work
- Accommodation (only for existing long-term bookings or bookings as of May 1 in Luzon)
- Veterinary clinics
- Security and investigation activities
- Financial services such as money exchange and insurance
- Legal and accounting services
- Management consultancy activities
- Scientific and research development
- Advertising and market research
- Computer programming
- Publishing and printing activities
- Film, music, and TV production
- Other activities such as photography, fashion, design
- Wholesale and retail trade of motor vehicles
- Repair of motor vehicles
- Malls and commercial centers (non-leisure activities only)
- Restaurants (no dine-in)
- Hardware stores
- Clothing and accessories
- Mall-based government frontline services
- Bookstores/Office and school supplies stores
- Baby care supplies stores
- Pet food and pet care stores
- IT, communications, and electronic equipment stores
- Flower, jewelry, novelty, antique, perfume shops and the like
- Toy stores (interactive areas closed)
Unfortunately, personal care shops such as waxing salons and massage parlors are on the definite-no list regardless of what adjective is attached to ECQ. Barber shops and salons will also remain closed. Typical recreational activities are also on hold indefinitely.Â
Metro Manila currently accounts for a large chunk of total cases nationwide; 7,286 out of a total 11,350 confirmed cases, as per Department of Health data on May 13. May has been dragging on since forever, but here's hoping these quarantine restrictions help slow down the infection rate. Stay safe and wash your hands, folks!
Main image by Jerome Ascano
