DTI Increases Allowable Capacity for Certain Establishments

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently raised the allowable capacity on Tuesday for certain establishments including dine-in restaurants and personal care businesses in areas under a general community quarantine (GCQ).

Allowed capacity for dine-in services in food establishments was increased to 30% from 20% during the previous month, while outdoor dining remained at 50% as per DTI Advisory No. 21-09 dated May 31.

For businesses that offer personal care services, on the other hand, their operational capacity has been raised to near 40% from 30% last month. Additionally, the DTI expressed that service providers and their customers should wear masks at all times.

Bigger venues for events like meetings, conferences, and exhibitions have been allowed to operate at 30% capacity after being banned from opening in the past month. Social events in similar establishments have been allowed up to 10% capacity.

Businesses that were awarded the Safety Seal Certification Program by the government will be able to take advantage of an additional 10% in allowable capacity, said the DTI.

While these are all efforts to support the government’s slow economic reopening, it’s important to note that the positivity rate of the country is still quite alarming. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends countries have a positivity rate of 5% or lower for at least two weeks before reopening the economy.

On May 31, data from the Department of Health presented the country’s positivity rate at 13.7%, almost three times the acceptable figure.

Source: Inquirer