New Community Quarantine Classifications from July 23-31, 2021

Manila, Philippines – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Friday, July 23 approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) the placement of National Capital Region (NCR)/Metro Manila under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) “with heightened restrictions” until the end of the month.

Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte were also placed under GCQ “with heightened restrictions” until July 31.

The Department of Health verified on Thursday night, the local transmission of the extremely infectious COVID-19 Delta variant, which was originally discovered in India. Of these, the Palace decided to placed NCR back from GCQ “with heightened restrictions”.

Sec. Roque said that children aged five years old and older will no longer be permitted to visit certain outdoor areas under GCQ “with heightened restrictions”.

However, prior to the announcement of the Palace, the IATF has permitted children aged five and above to visit certain outdoor areas in GCQ and MGCQ. Metro Manila Mayors appealed to suspend such policy following the continuous surge of Covid-19 cases.

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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

In this classification, the public 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 Cases Updates as of July 23, 2021

The number of active cases in the Philippines is significantly increasing to 55,0697 with 6,845 reported new cases as of July 23, 2021.

Meanwhile, no deaths has been recorded.

As announced by the DOH, there were 2,330 new recoveries giving the total number of recoveries to 1,455,137.

Here is the nationwide tally of COVID-19 cases as of July 23, 2021.

The Department likewise encourages the people to practice proper sanitation such as using alcohol-based or washing hands this also may protect us from spreading the virus.

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