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Recently, the Department of Tourism approved the implementation of meetings and conventions in areas under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ). According to the DOT, MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention, Exhibition and business events industry) events may be permitted, granted that the venue only operates at 50% its maximum capacity. The agency also released guidelines for organizers and venue operators that they can refer to in the new normal.
They are outlined below.
- The total number of guests in a venue must only be 50% of a venue’s total maximum venue capacity.
- MICE events may only be held in areas that are currently declared as under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ). Those that fall under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), modified ECQ, and general community quarantine (GCQ) are strictly prohibited.
- Meetings and events held online, without physical interactions, are exempted from this.
- Individuals ages 20 and below and 61 and older are not allowed to participate in MICE events even in areas under MGCQ.
- Host venues must have designated isolation areas/ rooms that will house participants who feel unwell during MICE events.
- In case an individual becomes unwell during a MICE event, organizers are required to isolate them, then refer them to a medical personnel on site in accordance to DOT and IATF guidelines.
- There should be a distance of at least one meter between seats at all times, including in meeting rooms and conference rooms.
- Every 6-foot table should only accommodate two persons at most.
- For exhibits, aisles should span more than 3 meters. No booth should face another in any venue.
- Buffet and self-service stations are not allowed. Only pre-packed meals and beverages, with single-use utensils are permitted.
You can see the full list of guidelines here.
