RESTRICTIONS STILL IN PLACE
The new community quarantine classification list was issued.
MEASURES
- Starting from 16 June, the community quarantine was reclassified based on existing epidemic risk level, economic, social, and security considerations. The latest list was gazetted through Resolution No. 46-A and it will be enforced until 30 June 2020.
- In the Resolution No. 46-A, it was noted that most of the areas remain in either Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) or General Community Quarantine (GCQ). However, the Cebu City and Talisay City shall be placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) respectively.
IMPACT ON FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN
- Under MGCQ and GCQ, the food sector remains unhampered in terms of operations. For GCQ, Category I (Industries), including businesses and employees involved in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, food manufacturing and food supply chain businesses (supermarkets, grocery stores, food preparation establishments, food delivery services) are allowed to operate at full operational capacity. Under the MGCQ, for abovementioned Category I, the industries are allowed to operate at maximum operational capacity. However, restrictions are in place for ECQ and MECQ, including- Under ECQ, food preparation establishments are only allowed to operate for take-out and delivery services and for establishments involved in the production, manufacturing, packaging, processing and distribution of basic food products are only allowed to operate at a maximum of 50% workforces.
– Under MECQ, the operation of food supply chain will be similar to the ECQ. In addition to the basic food supply, under MECQ, the manufacturing industries classified as beverages, including alcoholics drinks, will be allowed to only operate at 50% workforces. - In addition, in Resolution No.46 , the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) has approved recommendations of the Department of Transportation through Task Group on Food Security. The recommendations include
– A complaints office will be established in addressing complaints against international shipping lines
– A minimum eight-day free time period will be prescribed per shipping line
– A percentage of cargo space will be allocated for every voyage exclusively to agricultural and food products in domestic shipping lines with preferential rates charged.