The production and shooting of movies and television programs may resume in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) starting May 1, the Palace said on April 28.
Motion picture, video, and television program production; and sound recording and music publishing activities will be allowed in GCQ areas, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press briefing.
“Ang ibig sabihin, 'yong mga telenobela, dapat i-tape sa GCQ areas. Hindi pa po pwede sa Metro Manila,” Roque said.
While production is allowed, other entertainment-related activities that involve mass gatherings like concerts, public shows, gigs, conventions, festivals, and watching in cinemas are still prohibited in areas under GCQ and enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). This is to observe strict social distancing measures in order to prevent the spread COVID-19.
In March 2019, several production houses, networks, and companies temporarily ceased production and live taping in observance of the ECQ.
Under GCQ, several industries may also resume partial or full operations. Supermarkets, hospitals, food manufacturing, electricity services, water services, telecommunications and media can operate to full capacity. Banks, BPOs, and non-leisure services and trade are only allowed 50% of operations. Malls can open but may only provide essential goods and services. Mass transport can resume with limited capacity, while airports and seaports remain open to maintain flow of goods.
Here are the areas that will be under GCQ starting May 1:
Main image from Pixabay.