Who are allowed out during curfew hours in Metro Manila

A two-week curfew is now enforced in Metro Manila in a bid to stem the rising cases of COVID-19 in the capital region.

From 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. starting Monday, March 15, the majority of the general public will not be allowed outdoors, with some exceptions. 

Maki Pulido's report on 24 Oras on Monday lists the workers and services allowed to operate during curfew hours, according to the Philippine National Police:

• medical practitioners
• nurses
• ambulance drivers
• workers at medical facilities
• people who are accompanying medical emergencies
• drivers of vehicles carrying essential goods and products
• owners, vendors, or deliverers of essential goods
• private employees such as call center agents
• construction workers
• media practitioners
• those heading to or coming from the airport
• drivers of private transportation such as shuttle services
• members of law enforcement agencies (the military, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and other emergency responders)
• security guards
• employees of fast food services (take out only)

As earlier reported by 24 Oras Weekend, facilities that may remain open during curfew hours include the following:

• Market delivery
• Market bagsakan
• Food take-out and delivery
• Pharmacies
• Hospitals
• Convenience stores
• Delivery of goods
• Business process outsourcing (BPO) firms and similar businesses

According to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr., penalties for violating curfew will depend on the ordinances passed by local governments.

There were 5,404 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Monday, bringing the tally so far to 626,893.

OCTA Research, an independent team of experts, projected that daily new cases could reach 20,000 by April if the surge is not controlled. — BM, GMA News