Safe and informed, living from a distance

The key to surviving the COVID-19 pandemic is not only maintaining a healthy body, but keeping ourselves informed. This only highlights the value and power of relevant and timely information to ensure that we are updated from the latest developments to what is happening around the neighborhood.

Last August 19, the Philippine government officially eased restrictions and put the National Capital Region (NCR), Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite, and Rizal under General Community Quarantine (GCQ). However, the battle against this health crisis is far from over. While work has already resumed for a lot of industries, everyone must always remember that safety must be the top priority to avoid the further transmission of the virus.

The Manila City Government recently announced that it will be complying to the NCR-wide curfew from 8PM to 5AM. Apart from the time requirement, it also enumerated other stricter and Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ)-like health protocols such as:

• Usage of old quarantine passes and implementation of an odd-even scheme for those going out in public.
  • Those ending in odd numbers are allowed to leave their homes from 5AM to 9PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and 5AM to 1PM on Sundays.
  • Those ending in even numbers are allowed to go out from 5AM to 9PM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and 2PM to 9PM on Sundays.
• Similar to previous guidelines, only one quarantine pass will be issued per family. Quarantine pass holders must only leave their houses for essentials such as buying of food, medicine, and other necessities.
• There will be no liquor ban since it was not implemented during the MECQ from August 4 to 18.
• Wearing face masks is still mandatory.
• Social gatherings are still prohibited.

In addition, the National Task Force for COVID-19 also made wearing of face shields in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces a mandatory as an additional protective measure from the disease.

Apart from the aforementioned protocols, other guidelines under GCQ include:

• Movement of people – Those under 21 years old and those 60 years old and above and others who are at high risk of contracting the disease are required to stay home.
• Travel and transportation – Public transport and inter-island travel between GCQ areas are allowed but with strict physical distancing and safety protocols.
• Public gatherings – Must be limited to not more than 10 people and non-essential work gatherings remain prohibited.
• Schools and universities – Only skeletal workforce is permitted and face-to-face classes continue to be suspended.
• Work – Industries that are allowed to operate are encouraged to implement flexible work arrangements. Employees who will be reporting onsite are advised to carry proper documents such as company ID and Certificate of Employment for easier verification should there be checkpoints.
• Government – Offices are allowed to be fully operational, but also have the option to implement alternative work arrangements.
• Exercise and sports – Only indoor and non-contact sports are allowed, provided that minimum health standards such as wearing of face masks, physical distancing, and non-sharing of equipment are observed.

To access the Inter-Agency Task Force’s full GCQ guidelines and list of industries allowed to operate, you may refer to this link.

As the country’s confirmed cases surpasses the 187,000 mark, it is every Filipino’s duty and responsibility to ensure that we are safe, no matter where we are. While the government continues to look for more effective ways to combat the pandemic, we must continue playing our part in being vigilant of our own surroundings, our physical and mental health, and our leaders’ priorities.