What Are Allowed Under GCQ?

Work in all government offices may be at full operational capacity or under such alternative work arrangements as agencies may deem proper in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations issued by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). Provided that for offices requiring employees to report physically, commissioned shuttle services as well as point-to-point transport services may be provided.

Accredited diplomatic missions and international organizations may operate at fifty percent (50%) capacity. Alternative work arrangements such as flexible work arrangements, compressed work week, telework, and telecommuting is strongly encouraged.

Sectors or industries allowed to operate at an operational capacity:

1. Category I Industries – Power, energy, water, and other utilities, agriculture, fishery, and forestry industries, food manufacturing and food supply chain businesses, including food retail establishments such as supermarkets, grocer stores, and food preparation establishments insofar as take-out and delivery services, food delivery services, health-related establishments, the logistics sector, information technology and telecommunication companies, the media, at full operational capacity;
2. Category II Industries – Mining and other manufacturing, and electronic commerce companies, as well as other delivery, repair and maintenance, and housing and office services, at anywhere between fifty percent (50%) up to full operational capacity, and without prejudice to work-from-home and other alternative work arrangements; and
3. Category III Industries – Financial services, legal and accounting, and auditing services, professional, scientific, technical, and other non-leisure services, and other non-leisure wholesale and retail establishments, at fifty percent (50%) operational capacity, and without prejudice to work-from-home and other alternative work arrangements.

Limited operations in malls and shopping centers shall be allowed, except for leisure establishments and services which shall continue to be closed. Provided, that establishments and services allowed to operate in malls and shopping centers may only operate at a capacity consistent with Section 2(4) of these Omnibus Guidelines.

All public and private construction projects shall be allowed, but with strict compliance to the construction safety guidelines issued by the DPWH for the implementation of infrastructure projects during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amusement, gaming, and fitness establishments, as well as those in the kids and the tourism industries, and all Category IV industries may not operate. Industries in Category IV are reflected in the DTI issuance mentioned above.

Hotel operations shall be limited to the provision of basic accommodation services to guests through an in-house skeleton workforce Ancillary establishments within the premises, such as restaurants, cafés, bars, gyms, spas, and the like, shall not be allowed to operate or to provide room service; Provided further, that accommodation establishments may prepare: (a) packed meals for distribution to guests who opt for the same; and (b) food orders for take-out and delivery only.

Face-to-face or in-person classes shall be suspended. For Academic Year 2020-2021, the following shall be observed for the conduct of classes:

Basic Education

• • Opening of classes for the basic education shall be on 24 August 2020 and shall end on 30 April 2021;
  • Opening of private schools will be allowed within the period provided by law. Provided, that school learning continuity plan shall be submitted; no face-to-face classes will be allowed earlier than 24 August 2020; and, from 24 August, face-to-face learning shall only be allowed when the local risk severity grading permits, and subject to compliance with minimum public health standards;
  • Adoption of various learning delivery options such as but not limited to face-to-face, blended learnings, distance learnings, and homeschooling and other modes of delivery shall be implemented depending on the local COVID Risk Severity Classification and compliance with minimum public health standards; and
  • Conduct of curricular and co-curricular activities involving gatherings such as science fairs, showcase of portfolios, trade fairs, school sports, campus journalism, festival of talents, job fairs, and other similar activities is cancelled, except those conducted online.

Higher Education

• • The rolling opening of classes will be based on education delivery mode, compliance with minimum health standards and the situation on the grounds:
    1. HEIs using full online education can open anytime;
    2. HEIs using flexible learning can open anytime in August 2020;
    3. HEIs using significant face-to-face or in-person mode can open not earlier than 01 September 2020;
  • No face-to-face or in-person classes until 31 August 2020.
  • Private HEIs are encouraged to change their academic calendar and open in August 2020.

Mass gatherings such as but not limited to, movie screenings, concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment activities, community assemblies, and non-essential work gatherings shall be prohibited. Gatherings that are for the provision of critical government services and authorized humanitarian activities while adhering to the prescribed minimum health standards shall be allowed. Religious gatherings shall be limited to not more than ten (10) persons, until otherwise modified through subsequent issuances of the IATF.

Outdoor non-contact sports and other forms of exercise such as but not limited to walking, jogging, running, biking, golf, swimming, tennis, badminton, equestrian, and skateboarding are allowed. Provided, that the minimum public health standards such as the wearing of masks and the maintenance of social distancing protocols, and no sharing of equipment where applicable, are observed. Provided, further, that operations of the relevant clubhouses or similar establishments, if any, shall be limited to basic operations. For this purpose, the prohibition in Section 4(3) does not apply.

The road, rail, maritime, and aviation sectors of public transportation shall operate at a reduced operational and vehicle capacity in accordance with guidelines issued by the DOTr. Provided, that in all public transports, a strict one (1) meter distance between passengers shall be observed and appropriate engineering controls shall be in place.

By: Czar Fernandez