PLDT, Smart to close physical stores in NCR Plus amid ECQ

PLDT Inc. and its mobile subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. will suspend operations of physical stores in NCR Plus, amid the reimposition of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

In an advisory on Sunday, PLDT said stores in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna will temporarily cease operations in compliance with the guidelines set by the inter-agency task force for the management of emerging infectious diseases.

"Meanwhile, we would like to encourage our customers to utilize our online and digital touchpoints. Thank you very much for your patience," the advisory read, noting that business operations will go on a usual online.

Shares in PLDT closed last Friday at P1,251.00 apiece, up by P3.00 or 0.24% from the previous finish of P1,248.00.

Metro Manila and nearby provinces -- collectively tagged as NCR Plus -- will be under ECQ starting midnight March 29 until Sunday, April 4, 2021. No guidance has been given what follows.

Before the announcement of the ECQ, the government banned the non-essential entry and exit into the NCR Plus bubble during the same period. The bubble covers Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, and Bulacan. — DVM, GMA News