Capacity increased for event venues

MANILA, Philippines — The government has increased the allowed operating capacity for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibition (MICE) event venues, indoor tourist attractions and gyms in the National Capital Region (NCR), Bulacan and Rizal.

In Advisory 21-14 issued yesterday, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said MICE events in eligible venue establishments in the three areas can now operate at 40 percent capacity, up from 30 percent previously.

For their indoor tourist attractions, historical sites and museums, the allowed operational capacity is now at 40 percent, higher than the previous 20 percent.

While for social events or private gatherings in eligible venue establishments in NCR, Bulacan and Rizal, the allowed operating capacity remains at 10 percent.

Gyms and fitness centers in the three areas may now operate at 40 percent capacity from 20 percent previously.

As for other indoor non-contact sports courts or venues, the allowed operational capacity is 50 percent, higher than the previous 30 percent.

Lopez said all these activities, however, are still not allowed in Laguna and Cavite.

Meanwhile, no changes were made in the allowed operational capacities for indoor dine-in services, al fresco dining and personal care services.

In particular, indoor dine-in services may operate at 40 percent in NCR, Bulacan and Rizal, and at 20 percent in Laguna and Cavite.

For al fresco dining, the allowed operational capacity is at 50 percent in NCR, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna and Cavite.

For personal care establishments like beauty salons, beauty parlors, barbershops and nail spas, the allowed operational capacity is at 50 percent in the NCR, Bulacan and Rizal and 30 percent in Laguna and Cavite.

These personal care establishments, however, are limited to services that may be provided while wearing masks at all times, Lopez said.

“Business establishments awarded safety seal certifications shall be allowed to operate at an additional 10 percent beyond the prescribed on-site operational or venue or seating capacity, whichever is applicable and regardless of community quarantine classification,” he said.

He added establishments should continue to observe the minimum public health safety standards and protocols.