Auto dealerships and service centers are now allowed to re-open under the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine or MECQ which will start in Metro Manila, Laguna, and Cebu City on Saturday, May 16 and will last until Sunday, May 31.

This new type of community quarantine aims to be stricter than the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) while allowing most economic sectors to re-start. Among them are auto dealerships and service centers, previously not allowed under the stricter ECQ. Under IATF guidelines, auto dealerships and service centers are allowed to operate in GCQ areas.

In the detailed guidelines made available to the public, the wholesale and retail trade of motor vehicles including motorcycles are permitted; as are the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles including vulcanizing shops, battery shops, and other third-party auto repair shops.

These services though are only allowed to operate with a workforce of up to 50 percent. Individual carmakers have also launched their own health and safety guidelines, all of which adhere to the recommendations set forth by the Department of Health.

Public transportation such as buses, jeepneys, LRT/MRT, taxis, and TNVS are still not allowed to operate, though companies may start to operate shuttle services for employees subject to social distancing guidelines outlined by the Department of Transport.