DTI allows restaurant and fastfood to extend hours for dine-in


Fries, burgers, milk tea, chicken wings are just few of those foods that we crave during the strict quarantine. We also missed the idea of eating out with our friends and family. Now that the government is easing the restrictions, restaurants and fast foods are now accepting dine-in customers.
To generate more sales and revive the economy
Although we are still seeing an upward trend in COVID-19 infection, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is encouraging establishments to extend their opening hours. The government unit is urging them add two more hours or open the store up to 12 midnight to bring more sales. According to DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, business owners can do this as long that they are implementing strict health standards.
For those under GCQ, the authorities are allowing dine-in restaurants to increase their capacity from 30 percent to 50 percent. Meanwhile, those in modified GCQ areas may operate up to 75 percent capacity. DTI will release a memorandum by next week so the implementation will start on July 21.
With the increasing COVID cases in the country, Lopez explained that they are reminding establishments to observe strict health protocols. They are also encouraging them to install proper ventilation equipment and air purifiers. He added that DTI monitors 400 establishments everyday. He said, “What we can guarantee is as we open the economy, we heightened our compliance rules. We close establishments until they correct their deficiencies.”
Do you guys think it’s safe enough to dine in frequently in restaurants and fast foods?

Queenie Lasta got her bachelor's degree in Communications Research from UP Diliman. In her free time, she likes to read thriller novels, psychology books, and mangas. She believes in the importance of grit, hard work, and passion to become a great writer in the future.