RESTRICTIONS STILL IN PLACE
Government announced latest quarantine classifications.
MEASURES
- • On 31 August, the government announced that General Community Quarantine (GCQ) will be imposed in the Metro Manila, Batangas, Bulacan, Bacolod City and Tacloban City while Iligan City will be placed under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ).
- The rest of the Philippines are placed under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).
- The latest quarantine classifications will take effect from 1 September until 30 September.
IMPACT ON FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN
- Under MECQ, dining establishments and restaurants are only allowed to operate for take-out and delivery services. Establishments involved in the food production are allowed to operate at full operational capacity, excluding manufacturing industries classified as beverages, such as alcoholic drinks. These industries are only allowed to operate at a maximum of 50% operational capacity, while encouraging work-from-home and other flexible work arrangements where applicable.
- Under GCQ, businesses and employees involved in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, food manufacturing and food supply chain businesses (supermarkets, grocery stores, food preparation establishments for take-away & delivery only, food delivery services) are allowed to operate at full operational capacity. However, restaurants and cafes are only allowed to operate with 30% venue capacity and the operation.
- Under MGCQ, similar to GCQ, all the businesses and employees involved in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, food manufacturing and food supply chain businesses (supermarkets, grocery stores, food preparation establishments for take-away & delivery only, food delivery services) to operate at full operational capacity with relaxation given to the venue capacity for restaurants. A maximum of fifty percent (50%) of seating capacity has been given to the restaurants and cafes for the operations. shall strictly adhere to the social distancing protocols.
- At the same time, on 1 September, the temporary ban on chicken imports from Brazil remains in place. Previously, the Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI) has imposed a temporary ban on Brazilian poultry products after China reported traces of COVID-19 tested in chicken products. To resolving the issue, the DA-BAI is working with the Brazil Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) to require the documents related to COVID-19 prevention and control procedures among Brazilian factory employees in chicken processing facilities.