The Department of Health on Monday urged local authorities to enforce a ban on superspreader events, as it continued to crack down on large gatherings to keep coronavirus infections under control.
Scores of people have been caught violating a long-standing rule against mass gatherings in recent weeks, including a pool party in Quezon City that infected at least 50 people.
"Tayo rin po ay nakakausap sa ating mga LGUs at sa ating publiko na ipinagbabawal na rin po ang pagtitipon gaya ng mga parties na maaring maging source ng superspreader events," Health Usec. Maria Rosario Vergeire told the press on Monday.
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What counts as a superspreader? The DILG listed them down in a memorandum circular on May 31:
- Drinking parties
- Cockfighting activities
- Fiesta
- Parades
- Beauty contests
- Processions and other religious events
- Cultural festivals
- Pool parties and other water recreational activities
The DOH reminded authorities to regularly inspect parks, gyms, resorts, and other facilities especially on weekends and public holidays for compliance with health protocols.
President Rodrigo Duterte earlier ordered police to arrest barangay captains who allow mass gatherings that could be superspreaders.
The NCR Plus bubble -- Metro Manila and neighboring provinces Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite and Rizal -- remains under general community quarantine (GCQ) "with restrictions" until June 15.
The following are prohibited in GCQ areas:
- Entertainment venues such as bars and theaters
- Recreational venues such as internet cafes and arcades
- Amusement parks, fairs, playgrounds
- Cockfighting venues
- Indoor sports venues and indoor tourist attractions
The following are allowed:
- Lottery and horse racing with off-track betting
- Outdoor, non-contact sports
- Venues for meetings, conferences, and exhibitions are allowed to operate up to 30% of their capacity and can add an additional 10% if the venue has a Safety Seal from the government.
- Personal care services such as spas, salons, and barbershops can operate up to 40% of their capacity.
- Outdoor tourist attractions can operate up to 30% of their capacity
- Hotels accredited for staycations can operate at 100% capacity while other accommodation establishments catering to specialized markets of the Department of Tourism can operate up to 30% capacity with guidance from the local government unit.
- Restaurants can offer dine-in services up to 30% capacity. Outdoor dining is up to 50%.
- Religious services, weddings, wakes, and funerals can be held up to 30% of the venue capacity. Local government units can increase the capacity up to 50%.
- Interzonal travel from NCR Plus to other areas is allowed but subject to LGU restrictions.
- Those aged 18 to 65 years old can go out of their homes.
