President Rodrigo Duterte has announced Thursday evening that the COVID-19 alert level has been raised to Code Red Sublevel 2, the highest level imposed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Stringent measures have also been laid down by the Chief Executive to address the health emergency.
Land, domestic air, and sea travel to and from Manila have been suspended from March 15 to April 14. The length will be subject to review on a day-to-day basis depending on the slowdown of the spread of the virus.
Entry level restrictions will be imposed for countries with COVID-19 cases, except for Filipinos and their foreign spouse and children.
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are also allowed to return to China, except for Hubei, upon declaration that they understand the risks of going back.
The suspension of classes has been extended in all levels in Metro Manila until April 12, 2020, provided that students meet their educational requirements. The Local Government Units (LGUs) outside Metro Manila are given the power to assess if there is a need to suspend classes due to the risks posed by COVID-19.
Offices under the executive department will implement a skeletal workforce arrangement as work is temporarily suspended. Private establishments are given a free hand to put measures in place and protect their workers’ health.
The Chief Executive added that “community quarantine” will be imposed on the entirety of Metro Manila to make sure public health is protected.
Strict social distancing measure will be observed especially in mass transportation including the LRT, MRT, and PNR. Mass gatherings are prohibited for the National Capital Region (NCR) as well for a period of 30 days since the issuance of the resolution.
LGUs are advised to impose localized community quarantine depending on the situation. Barangay-wide quarantine is advised when there are two confirmed cases, and the barangay captains will be the persons of authority to be held responsible for the safety of their constituents. Municipal-wide quarantine shall be imposed when there are two confirmed cases in separate barangays.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be called in to ensure that the guidelines are followed.
President Duterte clarified that the imposition is not a declaration of Martial Law, but merely a measure to make sure that everyone complies with the said rules. He advised the public not to feel scared in the presence of military and police.
Meanwhile, President Xi Jinping wrote to President Duterte and said they are willing to help since they have managed the crisis themselves. The Philippines may always seek help from China if the case worsens.
The President said he plans to make the resolution into an executive order as soon as possible while regular meetings will take place for the interagency task force for COVID-19. – Report from Naomi Tiburcio
