Heavy traffic marks first day of ECQ in 'NCR Plus'

As the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) took effect on Monday, motorists experienced heavy traffic and long lines in checkpoints set up in strategic areas in the National Capital Region and four adjacent provinces.

Motorists are required to present ID, certificate of employment, business permit and other documentation to prove that they are authorized persons outside residents (APOR) and that their travel is essential.

Motorist who were not considered APOR and those who failed to present the necessary documents were prevented from passing the checkpoints established in boundaries.

According to Darlene Cay's report on Unang Balita, the screening on motorists passing the boundary of Caloocan City and San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, became stricter amid the implementation of the ECQ.

Heavy traffic was observed in both lanes going to Caloocan City and San Jose del Monte as as early as 5:30 a.m. Most of the motorists crossing the boundary were delivery riders, call center agents, and government employees.

At the boundary of Muntinlupa City and San Pedro, Laguna, many motorists were also asked to return home at the checkpoint, according to a report of Mai Bermudez.

Aside from motorists, many people who were walking at the boundary were also lining up at the checkpoint as authorities inspected their IDs and other documents and checked their body temperature.

Authorities apprehended those who were not wearing a face mask, failed to present a driver’s license, and have no acceptable reason to be considered as APOR.

The Laguna Provincial Police Office said they will be stricter in implementing the protocols at the checkpoints.

According to a report of James Agustin, 30 checkpoints have been set up in Quezon City on the first day of the ECQ in NCR Plus.

Some motorists passing the boundary of Quezon City and San Mateo, Rizal, on Batasan-San Mateo Road were barred from passing the checkpoints as they were not considered APOR.

Due to the limited public transport, many workers were seen walking on the road.

Meanwhile, heavy traffic was also observed along Marcos Highway at the boundary of Marikina City and Rizal province, according to a report of Super Radyo dzBB’s Mark Makalalad on Unang Balita.

Five lanes have been set up on the thoroughfare, which included separate lanes for motorbikes, four-wheel vehicles, ambulance, and delivery.

Some riders who were occupying wrong lanes were asked to take a U-turn and go back to the tail of the line for the checkpoint.

An ambulance was also stuck in the middle of the traffic as its lane was also occupied by other motorists.

Due to disregard of the one-seat-apart policy, some public utility vehicles were asked to unload some passengers.

Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, the national government placed Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal or NCR Plus  under an enhanced community quarantine from March 29 to April 4 with a new set of regulations.

Interviewed on Dobol B TV, National Task Force Against COVID-19 spokesperson Restituto Padilla said the current ECQ implementation is more relaxed compared to its first implementation last year.

He said up to 50% of public transport has been allowed to operate now so essential workers would be able to go to their work.

Current curfew, however, is longer -- from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Padilla also pointed out that unlike last year's ECQ, more businesses have been allowed to operate this time and that only a few areas were covered.

"Nagdedelikado na po tayo dahil hindi po tayo makapag-accommodate ng mga nagkakasakit sa mga ospital. Nauubusan na po tayo ng mga lugar kung saan puwede natin silang ipasok at gamutin," he said.

(“We’re in critical status as our hospitals cannot accommodate COVID-19 patients anymore. We’re running out of facilities where we can admit and treat them.”)

Asked about if the ECQ will be extended, Padilla said they will decide depending on the development on the numbers of COVID-19 cases. --KBK, GMA News