The government has allowed dine-in operations of food establishments in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), provided they comply with strict health protocols, Malacanang has said.
Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr said only restaurants that could comply with the guidelines laid down by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) could resume operations.
“Dine-in operations are allowed, but this does not mean that it’s time to feast or party. For now, dine-in operations are for MGCQ areas only. They also need to follow minimum public health standards,” Roque said.
He warned that the government could shut down establishments that violate protocols.
Roque said restaurants would be allowed to resume their dine-in services at 50% capacity.
But indoor dining will not be allowed in areas under a general community quarantine (GCQ), he added.
Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Cagayan Valley, Pangasinan, Albay, and Davao City are under GCQ starting June 1 while the rest of the country are under MGCQ or the transition period for the “new normal.”
In the guidelines released by the DTI, face-to-face seating will be allowed but with proper dividers. At least a one-metre distance between tables and chairs should be maintained.
Fast food and restaurants are also advised to provide food menus per table and taking orders shall be contactless.
“For single-use table menus, upon entry, customers shall be escorted to an assigned table with the corresponding number, who will select the order by checking choices in the menu placed on the table; for non-single use menu, upon entry, they shall be escorted to an assigned table with the corresponding number, who will select orders from the menu placed on the table,” the guidelines read.
Buffet and self-service areas for food bars, condiments and utensils are not allowed.
The DTI also requires customers to fill out a health checklist that will be provided at the entrance of the establishment.
Customers with a temperature of more than 37.5 degrees Celsius, or those with cough, colds or shortness of breath will not be allowed entry.
The DTI said there were an estimated 6,700 fine and casual dine-in restaurants, 4,500 fast food restaurants, 1,500 cafes and 3,800 food kiosks in the country.