President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the new recommendations of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) against the prevailing resurgence of COVID-19 infections in various parts of the country.
During his special Sunday briefing, Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque mainly announced the banning of non-essential travel to and from Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite, and Laguna effective March 22 to April 4, 2021.
Secretary Roque clarified that these places are not under lockdown but under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) with additional restrictions.
“Magkakaroon po tayo ng parang bubble dito sa (National Capital Region), at mga probinsya ng Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna at Rizal (We will have something that resembles a bubble here in the (National Capital Region), and in the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal ,” he stated.
The following rules will also be implemented in the said areas:
• Only individuals aged 18 to 65 will be allowed outside.
• Public transportation will retain current capacity. Biking and walking are encouraged.
• All mass gatherings, including religious gatherings, will be prohibited.
• Face-to-face meetings are highly discouraged. Work-from-home setup and virtual meetings encouraged.
• Common curfew to be imposed from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Workers, cargo vehicles, and public transportation are exempted.
• Visiting other households is strongly discouraged. Wearing of face masks is encouraged even at home.
• Weddings, baptisms, and funeral services limited to 10 persons.
• Operational capacities of essential and non-essential services/industries maintained: 30-50% operational or on-site capacity, where applicable.
• Dine-in restaurants, cafes, and establishments limited to delivery. Take-out and al fresco dining allowed subject to guidelines.
• Driving schools, traditional cinemas, video, and interactive game arcades, libraries, archives, museums, and cultural centers, limited social events at
• DOT-accredited establishments temporarily suspended. Open-air tourist attractions exempted.
Given these new policies, Sec. Roque asked for the public’s strict compliance and understanding, as all of these are for the health and safety of each and everyone. —Mela Lesmoras
