Thursday, September 16, is the first day of the implementation of Alert Level 4 in NCR in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Without presenting vaccination cards, customers are not allowed to avail of dine-in services in the National Capital Region, according to Restaurant Owners of the Philippines (Resto Ph).

“We reminded our members to be vigilant with enforcing the safety protocols. We post signs asking guests to present their vaccine card before being seated indoors. Surprisingly, there are numerous guests wanting to dine indoors without vax cards, who have to be turned away, unless there are outdoor dining spaces available,” Resto Ph president Eric Teng said.

“Fully vaccinated customers need only to present their local government unit-issued vaccination card to avail of dine-in services,” he added.

Outdoor or al fresco dining services in restaurants and eateries will operate at a maximum of 30% venue/seating capacity regardless of vaccination status under Alert Level 4. While indoor dining or dine-in services may be allowed at a limited 10% venue/seating capacity but will cater only to individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in addition to their allowed outdoor or al fresco capacity.

“Unvaccinated guests are allowed to dine outdoors. They only need to be vaccinated to dine indoors. Overall, the day has been positive for restaurant operators,” he said.

According to him, some of Resto Ph’s member-restaurants are also offering special promos for health care workers as “a gesture of gratitude and support.”