Civil, Property, Family Laws
Business Operations Allowed Under ECQ, MECQ, GCQ, and MGCQ
Further Updated as of 01 September 2020
The IATF Omnibus Guidelines, as amended, enumerates the industries and business operations permitted to operate under the different community quarantine levels.
IATF Resolution No. 66 dated 27 August 2020 provided the latest risk-level classifications, effective from 01 September 2020 until 30 September 2020without prejudice to the declaration of localized Enhanced Community Quarantine in critical areas:
General Community Quarantine (GCQ) | Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) |
Luzon
Visayas 1. Tacloban City | Luzon
Visayas
Mindanao
* - NTF and DILG are to ensure localized actions are implemented. **NTF and DILG shall ensure localized actions are implemented. |
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Industries/Services Allowed to Operate (Per DTI MC No. 20-44 dated 31 July 2020) | ||||
Category I | ECQ | MECQ | GCQ | MGCQ |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 50% to 100% only for manufacturers of medicines, medical supplies, equipment, the rest - ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✔ (for public and private hospitals, dialysis centers, chemotherapy centers, and the like) For others (dental, rehabilitation, optometry, etc.)– With skeleton workforce | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity | ✔ | ✔ Maximum operating hours until 11:00 pm | ✔ Maximum operating hours until 11:00 pm |
| Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity | ✔ | ✔ Maximum operating hours until 11:00 pm | ✔ Maximum operating hours until 11:00 pm |
| Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
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| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ Maximum operating hours until 1:00 am | ✔ Maximum operating hours until 1:00 am |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ Maximum operating hours until 1:00 am | ✔ Maximum operating hours until 1:00 am |
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skeleton workforce only with on-site or near-site accommodations and/or point-to-point shuttle services whenever applicable |
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| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✔ Only major public construction projects | ✔ Except small scale projects | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✔ WFH, on-site or near site accommodation or point-to-point shuttle service | ✔ Without need to set up on-site or near site accommodation or point-to-point shuttle service | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity | ✔ (without need of PCOO accreditation) | ✔ | ✔ |
Note: DPWH Department Order No. 35 provides the following guidelines: Prior to deployment
During deployment
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Category II | ECQ | MECQ | GCQ | MGCQ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skeleton workforce only (work from home; on-site or near-site accommodation or point-to-point shuttle service) | ✔ (only export-oriented mining companies without need for provision of on-site or near-site accommodation) |
✔ (100% operational capacity) Domestic: Anywhere between 50% to full operational capacity | ✔ |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ Maximum operating hours allowed up to 1:00 am | ✔ Maximum operating hours allowed up to 1:00 am |
| Skeleton workforce only (for leasing only) | ✔ (for leasing only) Partially allowed up to 50% operational capacity (if for other real estate activities) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | ✔ | ✔ |
May only operate upon issuance of a Certificate of Authority by the Department of Tourism. 2020 (for outside Luzon). DTI is authorized to issue a negative list of industries that will remain prohibited in areas under MCGQ. Establishments included in the negative list may not operate during any form of community quarantine (per IATF Resolution No. 56) | With restriction that only basic lodging is allowed to be provided by skeleton workforce May only operate upon issuance of a Certificate of Authority by the Department of Tourism. | With restriction that only basic lodging is allowed to be provided by skeleton workforce May only operate upon issuance of a Certificate of Authority by the Department of Tourism. | With restriction that only basic lodging is allowed to be provided by skeleton workforce Hotel operations shall be limited to provision of basic accommodation services; accommodation establishments may prepare: (a) packed meals for distribution to guests; and (b) food orders for take-out and delivery. Restaurants and cafes ancillary to hotels allowed to operate at 30% venue capacity and maximum operating hours up to 11:00 PM (per DTI MC No. 20-44, IATF Resolution No. 49). May only operate upon issuance of a Certificate of Authority by the Department of Tourism. | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity. Only those accredited as provided by law and relevant DOT and DILG issuances may operate, and only upon issuance of a Certificate of Authority to Operate by the DOT |
| Skeleton workforce only (except funeral parlors; provided there are shuttling service and/or housing accommodations) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Category III | ||||
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity | ✔ |
| ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity | ✔ |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% operational capacity | ✔ |
Alcoholic beverages may also be served provided a customer shall be allowed a maximum of two (2) individual servings of any alcoholic drink. Families living in the same household may also dine together using one table provided they show proof that they stay in one address and their table is at least one meter apart from other tables in the restaurant. | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site (delivery and take-out only) | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site (delivery and take-out only) | ✔ (Dine-in partially allowed up to a 50% seating capacity) Maximum operating hours allowed up to 11:00 pm | ✔ (Dine-in partially allowed up to a 75% seating capacity) Maximum operating hours allowed up to 11:00 pm |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site Maximum operating hours allowed up to 11:00 pm | ✔ Maximum operating hours allowed up to 11:00 pm |
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| Skeleton workforce only | ✔ Maximum operating hours allowed up to 11:00 pm | ✔ Maximum operating hours allowed up to 11:00 pm |
| ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site Maximum operating hours allowed up to 11:00 pm | ✔ Maximum operating hours allowed up to 11:00 pm |
| ✖ | ✖ | Partially allowed: Maximum capacity of 50% On-site | ✔ |
Note: per DTI MC No. 20-44, salons are now allowed to offer all hair, nail, and skin care services, except full body massage; subject to further strict protocol on hand sanitation, face mask and face shields, gloves, and sterilized equipment. | ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 50% operational capacity. | Maximum of 75% operational capacity |
| ✖ | ✖ |
(effective 01 August 2020, limited to individual work outs only. Group workout sessions composed of 2 or more persons (e.g. Zumba, yoga, pilates, etc.) shall be strictly prohibited Restaurants and cafes are now allowed to operate at a maximum of 50% dine-in services with maximum operating hours of up to 11pm (DTI MC No. 20-44) Note: The prohibition to operate in NCR and Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, per DTI Advisory No. 20-01, has been lifted effected 01 September 2020. | Maximum of 50% operational capacity (outdoor and indoor sports facilities for non-contact sports and other forms of exercise) Spectators in non-contact sports and exercises are prohibited (per IATF Resolution No. 56) |
| ✖ | ✖ |
Note: Still prohibited to operate in NCR and Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, per DTI Advisory No. 20-01. | Maximum of 50% operational capacity Outdoor and indoor setting allowed |
| ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 30% operational capacity
Note: The prohibition to operate in NCR and Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, per DTI Advisory No. 20-01, has been lifted effected 01 September 2020. | Maximum of 50% operational capacity |
| ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 30% operational capacity Only for health-related professions (i.e., physicians) Note: The prohibition to operate in NCR and Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, per DTI Advisory No. 20-01, has been lifted effected 01 September 2020. | Maximum of 50% operational capacity |
| ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 30% operational capacity Only for work or educational purposes Note: The prohibition to operate in NCR and Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, per DTI Advisory No. 20-01, has been lifted effected 01 September 2020. | Maximum of 50% operational capacity Only for work or educational purposes |
| ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 30% operational capacity Note: The prohibition to operate in NCR and Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, per DTI Advisory No. 20-01, has been lifted effected 01 September 2020. | Maximum of 50% operational capacity |
| ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 30% operational capacity Note: The prohibition to operate in NCR and Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, per DTI Advisory No. 20-01, has been lifted effected 01 September 2020. | Maximum of 50% operational capacity |
Category IV | ||||
| ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 50% operational capacity |
| ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 50% operational capacity |
| ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 50% operational capacity |
| ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 50% operational capacity |
| ✖ | ✖ | Skeleton workforce only primarily to do administrative works such as processing of refunds and payments to suppliers | Maximum of 50% operational capacity |
| ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 30% operational capacity Note: The prohibition to operate in NCR and Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, per DTI Advisory No. 20-01, has been lifted effected 01 September 2020. | Maximum of 50% operational capacity |
| ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 50% operational capacity |
| ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 50% operational capacity |
| ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | Maximum of 50% operational capacity |
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| Maximum of 30% operational capacity Note: The prohibition to operate in NCR and Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, per DTI Advisory No. 20-01, has been lifted effected 01 September 2020. | Maximum of 50% operational capacity |
OTHER SECTORS/ACTIVITIES | ||||
ECQ | MECQ | GCQ | MGCQ | |
Government | Philippine Postal Corporation: operational capacity necessary to maintain prompt delivery Philippine Statistics Authority: operational capacity necessary for data gathering related to COVID-19 Others: Skeleton workforce as approved by agency head unless different operational capacity is required | Skeletal workforce on-site of up to 50% maximum operational capacity, unless higher operational capacity is required in agencies providing health and emergency frontline services, border control, other critical services; Others work from home | Alternative work arrangements (i.e. 40 hours, 4-day workweek) | Full operational capacity or alternative work arrangements, as the agencies deem appropriate |
Foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited by the DFA | Skeleton workforce only | Skeleton workforce only | Skeleton workforce only | Full operational capacity |
Transportation
| ✖ (except for commissioned shuttles provided by the government) | ✖ (except for Public shuttles provided by the government for front-liners) | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✖ (except for commissioned shuttles provided by the permitted employers) | ✔ (for Personal vehicles- only for permitted sectors/activities, and 2 persons per row) | ✔ | ✔ |
Entry of Foreigners with Long-Term Visas in the Philippines
Per IATF Resolution No. 56, starting 01 August 2020, foreign nationals with long-term visas shall be allowed entry in the Philippines subject to the following conditions:
- Must have a valid and existing visa at the time of entry. No new entry visa application shall be accepted;
- Must have pre-booked accredited quarantine facility;
- Must have pre-booked COVID-19 testing provider; and
- Subject to maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry.
Note that return of Overseas Filipinos is still prioritized.
Long-term visas are immigrant visas under Section 13 of CA 613, RA 7919, and EO 324, including native-born foreign nationals.
Authority of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to re-classify industries
IATF Resolution No. 56 grants authority to the DTI to recategorize Category IV industries under Category III, as it may deem necessary. For Category III industries, its resumption or gradual increase in operating capacity shall be subject to their proprietors’ compliance with proper health protocols set by the DTI, which shall be assessed through a post-audit mechanism led by the DTI, DOH, LGU Health offices or deputized organizations.
Contact tracing in Business Establishments
Based on DTI MC No. 20-44, business establishments must have any IATF-endorsed contact tracing application such as SafePass or StaySafePh or administer contact tracing forms to customers, visitors, and suppliers entering their premises and health declaration forms to employees.
Authority to Lift ECQ and GCQ
Only the following have the authority to impose, lift, or extend the community quarantine:
- For highly-urbanized cities and independent component cities – the IATF;
- For component cities and municipalities – the Provincial Governors with the concurrence of relevant regional counterpart body of the IATF; and
- For cities and municipalities – the Local Chief Executives with the concurrence of relevant regional counterpart body of the IATF.
This amends paragraph (B) of IATF Resolution No. 29. Now, LGUs cannot declare its own community quarantine without the concurrence of the IATF. The IATF, on the other hand, may directly impose, extend, or lift the Community Quarantine in all areas, should the circumstances call for it.
In the revised Omnibus Guidelines issued on 25 June 2020, the IATF stated that LGUs may enact necessary ordinances to enforce curfew for non-workers in jurisdictions under MECQ, GCQ, and MGCQ. Public transportation shall not be restricted by such curfew ordinances.
Click to read the entire text of the following issuances:
- Executive Order No. 112 (30 April 2020) with the adopted IATF Resolution Nos. 30 (30 April 2020) 30-A (1 May 2020) and the Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines.
- IATF Resolution No. 35 (11 May 2020) on the imposition of the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine and General Community Quarantine on certain areas in the Philippines.
- Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines (15 May 2020).
- IATF Resolution No. 37 (15 May 2020) on the imposition of Enhanced Community Quarantine on Cebu City and Mandaue City, and Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine in other areas of the Philippines.
- Revised Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines (22 May 2020).
- IATF Resolution No. 38 (22 May 2020) on the amendments and revisions to the Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Community Quarantine.
- IATF Resolution No. 40 (27 May 2020) on the latest risk-level classifications, effective 01 to 15 June 2020.
- IATF Resolution No. 41 (29 May 2020) on the revised risk-level classifications and reopening of barbershops and salons.
- IATF Resolution No. 43 (04 June 2020) on the revised restrictions under GCQ and MGCQ.
- IATF Resolution No. 46-A (15 June 2020) on the revised risk-level classifications, effective 15 to 30 June 2020.
- DTI Memorandum Circular No. 20-33 (08 June 2020) on the revised Category I – IV Business Establishments or Activities pursuant to the revised Omnibus Guidelines on Community Quarantine dated 22 May 2020 amending for the purpose Memorandum Circular 20-22 S.2020.
- IATF Resolution No. 49 (25 June 2020) on revised Omnibus Guidelines for GCQ.
- Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines (25 June 2020).
- Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines (02 July 2020).
- IATF Resolution No. 50-A (29 June 2020) on the revised risk-level classifications, effective 01 July to 15 July 2020.
- IATF Resolution No. 51 (02 July 2020) on allowing travel agencies to operate under GCQ and for salons to not be limited to hair cutting services.
- IATF Resolution No. 52 (06 July 2020) on temporary suspension of MRT-3 operations and allowing outbound travel for Filipinos.
- IATF Resolution No.54 (11 July 2020) on revised risk-level classifications, effective 16 to 31 July 2020.
- IATF Resolution No. 55-A (14 July 2020) on revised risk-level classifications, effective 16 to 31 July 2020.
- IATF Resolution No. 56 (16 July 2020) on Entry of Foreign Nationals with Long-Term Visas, DTI authorization to reclassify industries, and prohibition of spectators in non-contact sports.
- Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines (16 July 2020).
- DTI Memorandum Circular No. 20-39 (17 July 2020) on Increasing the Operating Capacity of Dine-In Food Establishments, Amending DTI MC No. 20-37, Series of 2020.
- IATF Resolution No. 59 (28 July 2020) on reclassification of Category IV industries to Category III to allow limited operations.
- IATF Resolution No. 60-A (30 July 2020) on revised risk-level classifications, effective 01 to 15 August 2020.
- Inquirer.net, IATF OKs reopening of internet shops, gyms, drive-in cinemas in GCQ areas, 28 July 2020.
- Memorandum from the Executive Secretary (03 August 2020) imposing MECQ on certain areas from 04 to 18 August 2020.
- Memorandum Circular No. 79 (03 August 2020) Operational Capacity to be Adopted by Government Agencies and Instrumentalities during a Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine.
- IATF Resolution No. 63 (14 August 2020) on revised risk-level classifications, effective 16 August to 31 August 2020.
- IATF Resolution NO. 64 (17 August 2020) on revised risk-level classifications in NCR and in Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, effective 19 to 31 August 2020.
- DTI Memorandum Circular No. 20-44 (31 July 2020) on Prescribing The Recategorization Of Some Business Activities From Category IV To Category III, Additional Services Allowed For Barbershops And Salons, Adjustment Of Operating Hours, And Amendment Of The IATF Negative List.
- DTI Advisory No. 20-01 (21 August 2020) on the Suspension of the Implementation of Section 1 of DTI Memorandum Circular No. 20-44, Series of 2020, in the National Capital Region and the Provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal.
- IATF Resolution No. 66 (27 August 2020)
Click here to read the related article Luzon-wide Enhanced Community Quarantine: Basic Do’s and Don’ts.
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