Gov’t sets GCQ rules for Metro Manila

Malacañang on Wednesday announced the rules that will be implemented in Metro Manila which will be under general community quarantine (GCQ) until the end of the month.

Gatherings of more than 10 people, including religious services, remain prohibited. Previously, the government allowed religious gatherings up to 10% of a venue’s capacity in GCQ areas.

Dine-in restaurants, salons and barbershops will be allowed to resume operations but the capacity will be determined by the local government units (LGUs).

Establishments offering personal care and aesthetic procedures and services (outside salons and barbershops), gyms/fitness studios and sports facilities, testing and tutorial centers, review centers, internet cafes, drive-in cinemas and pet grooming services will remain closed.

The Palace said Metro Manila mayors have agreed to implement a daily curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. but it will not be implemented for now in Manila, Muntinlupa and Pasig cities because these LGUs have yet to amend their curfew ordinances.

LGUs may require quarantine passes, especially in areas under localized lockdown, and back-riding on motorcycles will be allowed as long as the passenger is an authorized person outside of residence (APOR).

Motorcycle barriers are no longer required for riders living in the same house. However, riders not living in the same household must have a motorcycle barrier.  Both riders must also wear full-face helmets and face masks.

The wearing of face shields, apart from face masks, is required in commercial places, workplaces (indoor) and public transport.

According to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, the restrictions were approved by the National Task Force Against COVID-19 on Tuesday following a request by the Metro Manila mayors for a stricter implementation of GCQ.

“When we consulted the mayors, they were in agreement that it should be GCQ but it should be of the strict type similar to what was imposed in June when we first went on GCQ,” Roque said in an interview with CNN-Philippines.

Other areas placed under GCQ from August 19 to 31 were Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Batangas, Quezon, Iloilo City, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City, and the municipalities of Minglanilla and Consolacion in Cebu province.

The rest of the country will be under modified general community quarantine. — RSJ, GMA News