IATF prohibits mass gathering in areas under GCQ

CEBU, Philippines —  As an additional measure to mitigate coronavirus in the country, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of COVID-19 is prohibiting mass gathering in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ).

CEBU, Philippines —  IATF Resolution No.100 made amendments on mass gathering under GCQ areas.

“Except as may be authorized by IATF resolutions, mass gatherings shall be prohibited.”

Gatherings that are for the provision of critical government services and authorized humanitarian activities are allowed, providing minimum health standards shall be followed.

Religious gatherings in areas under GCQ will also be allowed up to fifty percent (50%) of the seating or venue capacity.

This, however, will only be limited to the conduct of religious worship and/or service and has no objection from the local government unit where the religious gathering may take place.

“The religious denominations should strictly observe their submitted protocols and the minimum public health standards, particularly the social distancing measures and non-pharmaceutical interventions such as the obligatory wearing of face masks and immediate availability of hand hygiene necessities in the premises,” the resolution read.

On the other hand, IATF also mandated pension-issuing agencies and their servicing banks, quasi-banks, and other financial institutions to adopt alternative modes of validation for senior citizen pensioners in lieu of personal appearances regardless of quarantine status.

This is to ensure the health and safety of senior citizen pensioners, as well as their continuous access to their pensions during the state of a national public health emergency.

Relevant government agencies are expected to issue the corresponding memorandum circulars for the implementation of the said mandate by March 01, 2021.

Cebu City and the rest of Central Visayas region remain under the Modified General Community Quarantine status. — KQD (FREEMAN)