Bursting your ‘bubble’: New restrictions and what you should expect

The Philippine government has recently announced new restrictions for certain areas under IATF Resolution No. 104. This follows the alarming rate of recently confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country that have been exceeding the 7,000 mark — the highest recorded since the pandemic started locally.

The National Capital Region (NCR), Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, and Rizal have been announced to be part of a ‘bubble’ that is under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) after recording high numbers of COVID cases. From March 22, 2021 to April 4, 2021, new measures and protocols will be in effect in the bubble including the following:

Essential Travel

Essential workers with ID
Health and emergency frontline services personnel
Government officials and government frontline personnel
Duly-authorized humanitarian assistance actors
Persons traveling for medical or humanitarian reasons
Persons going to the airport for travel abroad
Anyone crossing zones for work or business and going back home
Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)

Public Transportation

Public transport will continue to operate as long as the following conditions are met.

Wearing of face masks and face shields
Physical distancing
Talking, phone calls, and eating are prohibited
Proper ventilation
Frequent disinfection
Passengers with COVID-19 symptoms are not allowed to use public transport

Mass Gatherings

Mass or public gatherings including religious gatherings are prohibited
Weddings, baptisms, and funeral services are allowed with a maximum of 10 persons only

Private Sector

Current operational capacities of essential and non-essential services/industries are to be maintained. However, companies and businesses within the bubble must observe the following restrictions.

In-person or face-to-face meetings are highly discouraged
Group meals are not allowed
Minimum public health standards must be in effect in offices
Only 30%-50% operational or on-site capacity is allowed
Work from home and virtual meetings are highly encouraged

Restaurants and Food Establishments

Dine-in is prohibited
Only delivery, take-out, and outdoor/al fresco dining (including mall corridors) are allowed with proper physical distancing measures
Maximum of 50% of the venue capability is allowed

Leisure Trips/Plans

Travel for leisure beyond the bubble is prohibited. Only essential trips are allowed

General Reminders

Common curfew is in effect from 10:00PM to 5:00AM
- Workers, cargo vehicles, and public transport are exempted from the curfew
People required to remain at home
- Those below 18 years old and above 65 years old
- Those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other health risks
- Pregnant women
Suggested rules at home
- Accepting visitors outside immediate family or house is strongly discouraged
- Wearing of face masks at home especially when living within elderly and vulnerable is strongly advised
- Ensure adequate air circulation and proper ventilation by opening windows and using fans

Temporarily Suspended

Driving schools
Traditional cinemas
Arcades
Libraries and archives
Museums and cultural centers
Limited social events at accredited establishments of the Department of Tourism (DOT)
Limited tourist attractions excluding open-air attractions

As of March 21, 2021, the Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 7,757 new COVID-19 cases bringing the country’s total confirmed cases to 663,794. It has also recorded new recoveries of 15,288, bringing the total to 577,754, while the death toll is at 12,968 including 39 new casualties.

Despite the country’s efforts to beat the pandemic, the public is once again urged to tighten their belts and come together in an effort to control the rapid spread of the COVID-19. Continue to stay safe, vigilant, and negative!

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