QC cuts curfew hours to accommodate ‘Simbang Gabi’

The Quezon City government shortened its curfew period from 12 midnight to 3 a.m. starting December 16, 2020 to accommodate the traditional "Simbang Gabi.”

Nevertheless, the QC government explained in a Saturday statement that the shorter curfew hours in the city's revised general community quarantine (GCQ) still followed the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force and the Metro Manila Council (MMC).

“Bahagi na ng pagdiriwang ng kapaskuhan at ng ating kultura ang Simbang Gabi kaya kahit may pandemya, nais nating panatihiling buhay ang diwa nito,” said QC Mayor Joy Belmonte.

Belmonte also emphasized that Simbang Gabi attendees should not exceed 30 percent of a venue’s capacity, and basic health protocols, such as social distancing and the use of face masks and face shields, still needed to be followed.

“Hindi natin dapat kalimutan na mayroon pa ring pandemya at kailangan tayong mag-ingat upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng virus,” the mayor stressed.

There was also a ban on traditional caroling and families were encouraged to limit Christmas and New Year celebrations to immediate households. Non-essential gatherings of more than 10 people were still prohibited.

Persons between 15 to 65 years old were allowed to leave their homes, provided that they have a company, school, or any government-issued ID. Persons younger or older than the permitted ages may leave homes only for buying essentials.

Children below 15, meanwhile, would be allowed to go out only for essential needs such as medical or dental appointments. They must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.

Gatherings for essential work-related purposes such as business meetings, government services, or humanitarian services, and the like shall be allowed subject to health protocols.

Outdoor or indoor venues for special events, such as restaurants, hotel ballrooms or function rooms and mall atriums, may be used for work-related or commercial purposes, but subject to social distancing and strict compliance with minimum health standards.

For trade shows, bazaars, and the like, or when otherwise applicable, organizers are required to obtain a special permit from the Business Permits and Licensing Department (BPLD).

"Whenever feasible, gatherings should use open-air venues or naturally ventilated indoor venues," Belmonte stressed.

Also, organizers of work-related or commercial gatherings must keep a log of all attendees for contact tracing purposes and should be ready to submit the log to the barangay health officer or the City Epidemiology & Surveillance Unit (CESU) at any time on request.

As for fireworks displays, the city government said these would only be allowed in designated locations such as the Quezon Memorial Circle and Eastwood and must be live-streamed online so anyone can enjoy the event without having to go out of their homes. — DVM, GMA News