What Are The New MECQ Guidelines For Dining Out?
The rules of restaurant dining under the more relaxed quarantine
After two weeks under ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine), Metro Manila and the nearby provinces of Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite and Laguna are now under MECQ (Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine) effective from April 12 to April 30, 2021.
For restaurants, this means a relaxing of the restrictions under ECQ. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez declares that dining inside restaurants is still prohibited, but outdoor or al fresco dining is allowed up to 50% of the restaurant’s capacity.
Restaurants are responsible for following these dining safety protoocols: tables must be set up in diagonal seating arrangements, with acrylic dividers on tables.
For a list of restaurants with outdoor spaces, check here and here.
In addition to these guidelines, it helps to take extra steps to safeguard your health and safety. Read: 15 ways to reduce dining out risk as recommended by an expert.
Please also note that only people aged 18 to 65 are allowed to go out. People with health risks or who are pregnant are advised to stay home except when necessary to access essential goods and services. A curfew is imposed from 8 pm to 5 am until April 30.
Stay safe!
Lead photo: Gabriella Clare Marino on Unsplash