Malacaῆang released on Wednesday a new memorandum establishing additional guidelines on the existing enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.
Based on the memo, the 72-hour window for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), balikbayans, and foreign nationals who are exiting the country is lifted.
Hotels and other similar establishments are prohibited to operate unless they have foreigner guests who have existing bookings as of March 17, guests who have existing long-term leases, and if they have employees included in exempted establishments.
Additional guidelines also include new rules for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and other export-oriented establishments, in which employees are allowed to travel to their agencies until March 20 as preparations for their work-from-home arrangements and basic lodging are ongoing.
The directive also states that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) are not allowed to operate amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary and IATF Spokesperson Karlo Nograles reiterated the enhanced community quarantine guidelines in Luzon at the Laging Handa Press Briefing.
“Dos: Everyone must stay at home. Don’ts: No classes at all levels. No reporting for work in government and private sector except for some exemptions. Who may go out of their homes? Do: Only one person per household would be able to buy or access basic necessities. Barangay captains must check for compliance. Employees of establishments involved in the production, processing and distribution of basic necessities such as food. Sa mga (In)supermarkets, groceries, convenience stores at (and) wet markets, pharmacies and drugstores, and banks or remittance centers,” he said.
In relation on the enhanced community quarantine, President Rodrigo Duterte under Proclamation No. 929 placed the country under a state of calamity.
The Palace also issued Memorandum Circular No. 77 to ensure price control measures on emergency medicines, supplies, and selected agriculture and fishery commodities.
The Palace said the Chief Executive is closely monitoring the situation. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
