Here are some things and reminders to take note of now that NCR and a few places around the Philippines have entered ECQ once again.
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With cases currently surging once more due in part to the delta variant, NCR, and a few places around the Philippines have been put in Enhanced Community Quarantine once again. Enhanced Community Quarantine is the strictest form of community quarantine, therefor movement is severely limited across most of society to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. If this constant shift between community quarantines has gotten you confused about what you can and can’t do, we’ve got you covered. Here is a refresher on ECQ and the important things that you should take note of.
NOT EVERYONE CAN LEAVE THE HOUSEHOLD SO EASILY
Under ECQ, only authorized persons outside of the residence, otherwise known as APOR, are allowed to leave the house. People that are considered APORs include those who work in essential manufacturing services and industries, government employees on official business, people traveling for medical or humanitarian reasons, healthcare frontliners, people going to and from the airport, and delivery personnel. For a full list of those considered APOR, check here.
Everyone else will need a quarantine pass and other documents depending on your LGU. Each city does it differently so make sure to contact your local officials to know what to do. If you are an AROP, you have to show your ID or certificate of employment if stopped at a checkpoint.
ECQ WILL LAST TWO WEEKS
This ECQ in Metro Manila is set to last between August 6 to 20. But there is a chance it may be extended. It depends on what government officials come up with at the tail end of the ECQ.
THERE IS A CURFEW
A curfew has been put in place in Metro Manila. Between 8 PM and 4 AM, no one is allowed to leave unless for APORs, but only for official business.
THERE WILL BE CASH ASSISTANCE
Families who meet the requirements to receive cash aid will get 1000 pesos. Make sure to check with your local government to know if you’re applicable or not.
ESSENTIAL SERVICES WILL REMAIN OPEN
Services like banks will remain open during the ECQ. But they will operate with shorter hours and different rules, so check up first with your local bank to know when they will be open. You also will be able to pay your electricity and water bills during the ECQ and disconnection will also be suspended during ECQ.
YOU CAN GET VACCINATED
Vaccinations sites will continue to be open during the entirety of ECQ. Even if you aren’t an APOR, you can schedule your vaccine during this time. When you go out, just present proof of your vaccination appointment, whether it be a text message or QR code.
BORDER CROSSING IS GENERALLY DISCOURAGED
Traveling to different cities within Metro Manila is generally prohibited unless for APOR who need to travel to a different city for work or other official business. You also cannot travel to a different city to buy groceries unless you are an essential worker. Shoppers will only be allowed to buy supplies within their respective cities.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IS OPEN
Public transportation will be allowed during ECQ. The truck ban and number coding scheme will also be dropped to prevent a slow delivery of supplies.
YOU CANNOT REGISTER TO VOTE
Comelec has announced that they won’t be accepting registration applicants in ECQ areas. They will resume voter registration once ECQ is over. Considering that voter registration ends on September 30, if you haven’t registered yet, and you live in an area under ECQ, do so as soon as you can because the window is getting smaller.
NO DINING-IN AND AL-FRESCO
All forms of dining-in and al-fresco dining at restaurants are banned. Only deliveries and take-outs will be permitted in restaurants and other food establishments.
NO IN-PERSON MASS GATHERINGS
In ECQ, any mass gathering of any sort is banned. This means that religious gatherings will be done virtually. Playgrounds, gaming establishments, indoor sports venues, and personal care services will also be closed. Necrological services, wakes, and funerals for those whose deaths were not caused by COVID-19 are allowed, but only for immediate family members.
NO OUTDOOR EXCERCISE
Since gyms are closed once again, you will have to do your exercises at home. Sadly, outdoor exercises, even those that don’t have physical contact with other people like jogging are banned too during ECQ. You’ll have to stick to indoor workouts or doing them in your backyard if you want to go outside.
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