Are Zoom seminars about to become a thing of the past?
The Department of Tourism (DOT) recently released the guidelines on conducting meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) amid the COVID-19 situation.
According to Administrative Order No. 2020-03, MICE events are allowed in areas under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) "provided, that the total number of participants, including MICE Suppliers, Exhibitors, and Venue Operators, shall be limited to fifty percent (50%) of the Maximum Venue Capacity."
Only those living in MGCQ locales can attend these events, with organizers being required to implement health and safety protocols and standards.
On the other hand, holding meetings and other related activities is still prohibited in places under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), and general community quarantine (GCQ) unless "conducted through an online platform where no physical interaction among participants is involved."
Violators will face appropriate fines and penalties, not to mention risk an MICE entity's DOT accreditation being revoked.
During his Wednesday briefing, President Rodrigo Duterte identified Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, Lapu Lapu City, Mandaue City, Ormoc City, Southern Leyte, Zamboanga City, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Basilan, Talisay, Minglanilla, and Consolacion in Cebu province as areas under GCQ, while easing Cebu City into MECQ until July 31.
