Ensuring safety this Holy Week 2021

In this predominantly Roman Catholic country, the Holy Week is observed from March 28 to April 4, 2021. Filipino families have grown accustomed to using this time to bond together and plan vacations as it is a long weekend. However, it’s important to keep in mind a few things to ensure that everyone is safe and well-informed while there is an ongoing health crisis.

Enhanced Community Quarantine

According to Resolution No. 106 of the Inter-Agency Task Force, the National Capital Region (NCR), Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan and Rizal have been put under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) from March 29 to April 4, 2021.

Coming from the previous General Community Quarantine (GCQ) classification, positive COVID cases have soared with more than 9,000 recorded recently, the highest since the pandemic began in the country.

A curfew from 6:00PM to 5:00AM is also in place for the areas within NCR Plus while only those between the ages of 18 and 65 without immunodeficiency, comorbidities, and health risks are allowed to go out for essential needs.

Only Essential Travel is Allowed

As part of the IATF resolution, traveling to and from NCR Plus is only allowed for essential workers with ID like frontliners and government officials and personnel. Travel is also allowed for persons with medical or humanitarian needs, those traveling for work and business or flying abroad, as well as Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

If you have plans that would require cross-border travel, best to rethink them as there are strict checkpoints within this area. For those looking to have staycations during this time, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has advised that staycations are not allowed in the NCR Plus areas.

“Guests who are already billeted in these establishments by midnight on Sunday may continue to stay for the duration of their original booking. However, no new bookings will be allowed for the week,” shared DOT in their statement.

Mass Gatherings are Prohibited

To help curb the alarming rate of confirmed cases in the country, public gatherings including religious gatherings are prohibited once again. If you’re looking to keep traditions of honoring Christ during this time, it’s best to look for digital alternatives where you can tune in and attend mass without the risk of being exposed to a lot of people.

You may also want to check your favorite TV networks if they have any programs, Lent specials, or live streams that you can watch from the comfort of your own home.

Groceries, Restaurants, and Food Establishments

Establishments will generally be closed during April 1-2, 2021, but for those that will remain operational, don’t forget that dine-ins including outdoor or alfresco dining are not allowed. Food deliveries and take-out orders are highly encouraged so you don’t have to leave your home.

This is the second year that the Philippines is celebrating the Holy Week at home. Let’s all do our part in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home and practicing minimum health standards.

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