What to expect from Iloilo City’s GCQ

By Joseph B.A. Marzan

People can expect more loosened restrictions starting Saturday, Oct 16, 2021 when the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) takes effect in lloilo City.

Mayor Jerry Treñas issued Executive Order No. 125 series of 2021 on Thursday, Oct. 14, following Malacañang’s announcement that the city will move to the more permissive GCQ.

Under EO No. 125, mass gatherings will now be allowed up to 50 percent of the venue capacity, but it needs approval by the city’s COVID Team.

Religious gatherings will remain at 50 percent of the venue capacity, as it has been under the GCQ with Heightened Restrictions. Marriages, baptisms, and funerals will be allowed to family members of up to the third degree.

As announced by Treñas before the national government’s resolution, curfew in the city will take effect from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. Persons aged 15 years old and above will now be allowed to go outside.

Public consumption of liquor is still prohibited, and the sale of alcoholic drinks remains from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Public transportation is allowed at 100 percent capacity, but transport service providers are still highly encouraged to maintain 50 percent capacity to allow for minimal physical distancing.

Travelers from within Panay Island are now allowed to enter the city, as EO No. 125 did not provide any restriction.

Inbound travel for fully vaccinated persons has been loosened, as they will no longer need to present negative RT-PCR test results nor undergo quarantine.

They will need to show their vaccination card and vaccination certificate, which they can secure through the VaxCert portal by the Department of Health and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (https://vaxcert.doh.gov.ph/). This is on top of the existing S-PASS requirement.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers will still need to undergo RT-PCR testing and a 3-day mandatory quarantine upon arrival, with repeat test on the third day.

For travelers from Negros Island, non-essential travelers will need to secure an S-PASS, and either a negative RT-PCR test results from 72 hours prior to their travel, or present their vaccination card and VaxCert if they are fully vaccinated.

For in-place dining, the edict mandates the following allowed capacities in food establishments:

–          60 percent indoor and 80 percent alfresco (outdoor) for those with Safety Seal Certification and have 100 percent of their employees fully vaccinated;

–          30 percent indoor and 60 percent alfresco for those with Safety Seal Certification only;

–          30 percent indoor and 50 percent alfresco for those with 100 percent of employees vaccinated but without Safety Seal certification; and

–          20 percent indoor and 50 percent alfresco if without Safety Seal and personnel are not fully vaccinated.

Salons, spas, and barbershops will be allowed to operate under GCQ with up to 50 percent capacity, and an additional 10 percent if they already have the Safety Seal Certificate.