Here’s some bad news you probably expected or know by now: despite NCR and neighboring provinces shifting back to general community quarantine (GCQ), some services and businesses will remain closed. These include the following, pursuant to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Advisory No. 20-01, Series of 2020:

Testing, tutorial, and review centers;
Gyms, fitness centers, and sports facilities;
Internet cafes;
Dermatological clinics offering aesthetic procedures;
Other personal care services;
Pet grooming services; and
Drive-in cinemas

This is contrary to Section 1 of DTI’s Memorandum Circular No. 20-44, Series of 2020, on “Recategorization of Some Business Establishments or Activities under Category IV to Category III,” which has been suspended until Aug. 31.

But fret not, barbershops and salons in GCQ areas will still be allowed to offer all hair, nail and skin services, except full body massage, with minimum health and safety protocols in place.

Meanwhile, the said memorandum’s provisions on business operating hours will still be observed, that is that “all food and retail businesses shall be allowed maximum operating hours of up to 11:00 p.m. and food delivery services of up to 1 a.m.” Local government units are expected to adjust their respective curfew hours to accommodate these businesses.

Header photo courtesy of Anytime Fitness Don Bosco-Pasong Tamo

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