There are specific rules for various activities, depending on the quarantine classification of an area. The existing quarantine classification for all areas in the Philippines is either General Community Quarantine (GCQ) or Modified General Quarantine (MGCQ). Here are the rules governing MASS gatherings in both GCQ or MGCQ:
IN QCQ AREAS
Preliminarily, the movement of all persons in areas placed under GCQ is limited to accessing essential goods and services, and for work in the offices or industries permitted to operate [Revised Omnibus Guidelines, Sec. 4(2)]. Any person below 21 years old, those who are 60 years old and above, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidities, or other health risks, and pregnant women, including any person who resides with the aforementioned, are required to remain in their residences at all times except when indispensable under the circumstances for obtaining essential goods and services or for work in permitted industries and offices [Revised Omnibus Guidelines, Sec. 4(3)].
Mass gatherings include movie screenings, concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment activities. As a general rule, mass gatherings are NOT allowed, subject to the following exceptions:
- Gatherings that are for the provision of critical government services and authorized humanitarian activities while adhering to the prescribed minimum health standards.
- Religious gatherings are not encouraged and shall be limited to not more than 10 persons [Revised Omnibus Guidelines, Sec. 4(12)]. A civil wedding, which is not strictly a religious gathering, is allowed with a maximum of 5 participants.
IN MGCQ AREAS
The original rule was that all persons are allowed outside their residence. This was reserved by IATF Resolution No. 43 dated 3 June 2020. The rule is now the same as MCQ: movement of all persons in areas placed under MGCQ is limited to accessing essential goods and services, for work in the offices or industries permitted to operate [Revised Omnibus Guidelines, Sec. 5(2)].
Mass gatherings (such as but not limited to, movie screenings, concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment activities, religious services and work conferences) are allowed provided that participants are limited to 50% of the venue or sitting capacity [Revised Omnibus Guidelines, Sec. 5(5)].
- Extension of Filing Periods and Suspension of Hearings for March 29 to April 4, 2021: SC Administrative Circular No. 14-2021 (Full Text) - March 28, 2021
- ECQ Bubble for NCR, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal: Resolution No. 106-A (Full Text) - March 27, 2021
- Guidelines on the Administration of COVID-19 Vaccines in the Workplaces (Labor Advisory No. 3) - March 12, 2021