Tattoo Parlors, Museums to Reopen Too; Beer Houses Stay Shut
In areas under the lowest quarantine or MGCQ, the government will soon allow tattoo and body piercing, live events and the reopening of tourist destinations and museums, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Wednesday, signalling the further unwinding of restrictions on business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In areas under MGCQ or modified general community quarantine, the following will be allowed: "tattoo and body piercing, live events, entertainment industries, libraries, archives, museums and cultural centers, tourist destinations, and schoos for language, driving, dance, acting and voice.
Earlier Wednesday, the government also announced that from Aug. 1, in areas under GCQ or general community quarantine, the following will be allowed: gyms, fitness centers, internet shops, tutorial and review centers, and grooming services.
The Philippines has a four-step quarantine system: ECQ or enhanced community quarantine, followed by Modified ECQ or MECQ, GCQ and MGCQ. Cebu City is the only place in the country under MECQ. Metro Manila is under GCQ while the rest of the country is either under GCQ or MGCQ. It is important to note that these classifications are up for review and subject to change on Aug. 1. It's up to President Rodrigo Duterte now.
What is prohibited though under all levels of quarantine: cockfighting and the operation of cockpits, beer houses and establishments primarily serving alcoholic drinks, and kid amusement.