Malacaῆang said strict measures will remain in place despite the National Capital Region’s (NCR) shift to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from a 14-day ECQ.
The national government on Thursday night (Aug. 19) announced that NCR and Laguna will be placed under MECQ from Aug. 21 to 31. Bataan will also be under MECQ from Aug. 23 to 31.
“Bagama’t balik-trabaho, limited on site operations pa rin po ang MECQ. Ang re-classification ay nagbibigay puwang pa rin ng pagpapatupad sa localized o granular lockdowns sa mga lugar na kritikal,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.
The National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 said the imposition of stringent measures will be followed to further control transmission since reverting to ECQ “is not sustainable.”
MECQ guidelines
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairperson Benhur Abalos said unified curfew hours from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. will remain across NCR.
Quarantine passes will no longer be required under MECQ. Outdoor exercises will be allowed from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. only.
Indoor and al-fresco dine-in services, and personal care services including beauty salons, beauty parlors, barbershops, and nail spas are still prohibited.
Non-authorized persons outside of residence (non-APORs) are not be allowed to go outside except for emergencies and essential purposes.
Religious gatherings remain limited to virtual activities.
“Pinapayagan naman ang lamay, burol at libing, provided na ang malapit na kapamilya ng yumao na hindi COVID-19 ang rason. Kailangan magpresenta ng katibayan ng relasyon sa yumao, at kailangan din nilang sumunod sa prescribed minimum public health standards,” Roque said.
Roque said local government units (LGUs) have been ordered to intensify the implementation of Prevent-Detect-Isolate-Treat-Reintegrate (PDITR) strategies and their COVID-19 vaccination programs.
Abalos said they will closely work with the Philippine National Police (PNP) for health protocol enforcement and granular lockdown implementation.
He added that they requested the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) “to make available more hotels as standby isolation facilities.” – Report from Mela Lesmoras/AG-bny
