QC gov't publishes city MECQ guidelines

The Quezon City government on Tuesday released a set of guidelines for its residents as Metro Manila and nearby provinces were placed under a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until the end of this month.

On its official website, the QC government said curfew hours or public safety hours would be from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Essential workers and people with emergencies were exempted from the curfew provided they can present a company ID, APOR ID, and other official documents.

Essential activities may operate 24/7. These activities include public transportation, couriers, cargo vehicles, market delivery/bagsakan, food take-out and delivery, pharmacies, hospitals, convenience stores, and delivery of essential goods.

"Also, call centers, business process outsourcing (BPO), other businesses exporting goods or services may continue to operate 24 hours," the city government added.

The ban on the sale of alcoholic drinks would remain during the MECQ, which will be in place until April 30.

Limited gatherings, age restrictions

The locality also prohibited gatherings with 10 or more people "except when indispensable for work, government or humanitarian purposes."

Meanwhile, religious events in Quezon City are allowed as long as they follow the 30% venue capacity restriction.

Minors, senior citizens, and pregnant women must remain at home except for essential travel.

"Persons below eighteen (18) years old and above sixty-five (65) years old, and pregnant women must remain home, except when indispensable for obtaining essential goods and services (e.g., buying food/medicine, medical appointments or vaccination), or when necessary for work in a permitted business," QC government said.

Business operation guidelines

Indoor dine-in in restaurants is not allowed, but al fresco dining services can be implemented from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

"Customers should be a minimum of one seat apart or be separated by a clear barrier," read the guidelines.

Meanwhile, establishments may operate deliveries beyond public safety hours.

Sari- sari stores in densely populated areas, markets, talipapas, and vending sites must operate only until 8 p.m. But bagsakan or delivery operations may continue.

Carinderias, eateries, and bakeries in the city may continue to provide take-out and food delivery beyond curfew hours but outdoor dine-in services may operate from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Also, hawkers or ambulant vendors registered with the barangay or Market Development and Administration Department may sell food even after 8 p.m. as long as they follow strict health protocols.

Public transportation

Meanwhile, the QC government said public transport vehicles must implement the one-seat apart rule for passengers.

For tricycles, back rides are not allowed and only one passenger must be accommodated.

"As an exception, e-trikes and similar vehicles with larger capacity shall follow the one seat apart rule," QC said.

Taxis and Transport Network Vehicle Service "cannot have more than two passengers, who must both be in the back seat." — DVM, GMA News