Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso issued Wednesday an executive order allowing all food establishments to offer take-out and delivery services 24/7 under the general community quarantine (GCQ) to help food businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic.
Domagoso said it was the city government’s “own little way” of protecting businesses and rebooting the economy sapped by the global pandemic.
“For the meantime, we must learn how to live while there is COVID-19, and at the same time, we must learn to go back to work safely and to discipline ourselves, for us to help stimulate our economy,” Domagoso said in a statement.
Under Executive Order No. 35, restaurants may operate beyond the curfew hours of the city, provided they shall cater only to those authorized persons outside of residence (APORs).
Under the GCQ rule, all food establishments are “allowed to operate at 30 percent venue capacity, provided that it strictly adheres to minimum public health standards at all times,” Domagoso said.
Restaurants must also comply with protocols set by the Departments of Tourism, Trade and Industry, Labor and Employment, and Health, he added.
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday placed Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal back to GCQ from Aug. 19 to 31.