Manila, Philippines – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Thursday announced the approval of the recommendation of Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) the shift of NCR Plus from Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) “with heightened restrictions” starting May 15 until May 31, 2021.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that the new IATF recommended classification of quarantines will start on May 15 to May 31, 2021. Here is the summary of the new classifications:
| MECQ | GCQ | MGCQ |
|---|---|---|
| R2: City of Santiago, Quirino CAR: Ifugao R9: Zamboanga City | NCR + Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna and Cavite (GCQ with heightened restriction) CAR: Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Abra R2: Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya R4-A: Batangas, Quezon R4-B: Puerto Princesa R10: Iligan City R11: Davao City BARMM: Lanao del Sur | Rest of the Philippines |
GCQ With Heightened Restrictions Explained
Secretary Harry Roque explained the GCQ with heightened restrictions that will be imposed in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna and Cavite until May 31 as follows:
Transportation
- Only the essential travel in and out of NCR Plus are allowed.
- Public transportation is still operational provided that the capacities and protocols is in accordance with the guidelines of the Department of Transportation (DOT).
- Use of active transportation shall be promoted
- Individuals from18 years old to 65 years old is allowed to leave their homes in GCQ areas with heightened restrictions.
Dine-In
- Individuals from18 years old to 65 years old is allowed to leave their homes in GCQ areas with heightened restrictions.
Tourist Spots
- 30% with strict adherence to minimum public health standards maybe opened for outdoor tourist spots.
Specialized Markets of Department of Tourism
“Further allowed in the NCR Plus are specialized markets of the Department of Tourism (DOT) following the minimum public health standards and implementation of protocols and restrictions as set by the DOT,” said Sec. Roque.
Religious Gatherings
- 10% venue capacity is allowed in Religious gatherings, gatherings for necrological services, wakes, inurnment and funerals.
Others
- 30% capacity is allowed in GCQ areas with heightened restrictions for non-contact sports in outdoor contact sports, games, scrimmages. Likewise, 30% capacity is also allowed for personal care services that allow for services not requiring mask removal, such as salons, parlors, beauty clinics and etc.
Not Allowed in GCQ with heightened restriction
GCQ areas with heightened restrictions are strictly prohibited in entertainment venues (bars, concert halls, theaters, etc.), recreational venues (internet cafes, billiards halls, arcades, etc.), amusement parks, fairs, playgrounds, kiddie rides, indoor sports courts and venues and indoor tourist attractions; venues for meetings, conferences.
Interzonal travel from NCR Plus shall not allowed in GCQ areas with heightened restrictions except those who under Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APORs).
Covid-19 Updates
The number of active cases in the Philippines as of May 13, 2021 has increased by 6,385 bringing the total active cases to 55,260. As announced by DOH, there were 4,289 new recoveries giving the total number of recoveries to 1,050,643.
View here the complete information about Covid-19 updates in the Philippines as of May 13, 2021.
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