Here are the industries set to operate beginning next week!

Although we can look forward to more lenient measures during Manila’s upcoming shift to General Community Quarantine (GCQ), it’s important to remember that we are still in the midst of a global pandemic. It’s best to proceed with caution, especially when you consider the rising figures of confirmed COVID-19 cases, alongside awry debates about whether or not the curve has truly been flattened. Yet, we understand that the economy is in dire need of a reboot. With this in mind, let us welcome the upcoming economic revival with vigilance, care, and safety in the forefront of our minds. 

It's important to note that only those aged between 21 to 59 (and without comorbidities and not currently pregnant) are allowed outside during GCQ. Furthermore, public transportation is still not fully operational — only trains and buses will be allowed to run and at limited capacity. 

According to the Omnibus Guidelines concerning implementation of community quarantine (updated on 22 May 2020), as well as the memo released by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here is what we can expect to be functional during GCQ. 

Read also: Tatler Heroes: Filipinos Leading The Fight Against Covid-19

Full Operational Capacity

As in Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), public and private hospitals will be at full operational capacity during GCQ. Health and emergency services such as dialysis centres and chemotherapy centres will also be open alongside manufacturers of medicines, medical supplies, devices, and packaging. Agricultural industries and delivery/courier services also remain at full operational capacity. 

Additional industries to open up to full capacity  include: 

  • Groceries
  • Laundry shops
  • Food services (for takeout and delivery)
  • Construction (with strict compliance to DTI protocol)
  • Veterinary clinics
  • Funeral services

50% To Full Operational Capacity

These industries are set to run anywhere between 50% to 100% capacity. They must also take into consideration various policies that may benefit their workers such as continued work from home setups and the like. 


These include: 

  • Banks and money transfer services
  • Capital markets (stock exchange)
  • Legal and accounting services
  • Architecture and engineering activities
  • Scientific research development
  • Advertising and marketing
  • Computer programming
  • Publishing and printing (newspapers, magazines, textiles, catalogues, brochures, etc)
  • Video production and sound recording
  • Rental and leasing (other than real estate)
  • Recruitment offices
  • Photography services
  • Malls (including hardware, clothing stores, mall-based government services, non-leisure stores)
  • Barbershops and salons
  • Baby care supplies
  • Pet care supplies
  • Bookstores and school supply stores 

Remain Closed

Those that remain closed include: 

  • Children’s amusement industries (toy stores, playgrounds, and playrooms)
  • Cultural centres such (museums, gardens, and libraries)
  • Tourist destinations (beaches, water parks, resorts)
  • Travel agencies
  • Gambling and betting activities (casinos, cockfighting)
  • Personal care services (spas, saunas, waxing salons)
  • Gyms and fitness studios
  • Cinemas, theatres, karaoke bars
  • Pubs, nightclubs, beerhouses 

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