CHECKPOINTS REMAIN

'Tiny bubbles' policy still enforced in MECQ areas

The "tiny bubbles" policy which limits the purchase of basic goods within cities and municipalities where one resides will still be followed even as Metro Manila and some provinces have been placed under the less strict modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Sunday.

PNP chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar said they will still have checkpoints at borders similar to what they established during the two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the strictest among the quarantine protocols.

"Tandaan natin na small bubbles and tiny bubbles sa Metro Manila andyan pa rin sila," he pointed out over Dobol B TV explaining policies during MECQ.

(Let us remember that small bubbles and tiny bubbles in Metro Manila are still there.)

"'Yung checkpoints natin nandyan pa rin sa boundary ng intercity natin. Kung bibili ng pagkain at gamot, doon pa rin sa siyudad. Huwag na kayo palipat-lipat," he added.

(Checkpoints are still existent at intercities and boundaries. If you will buy food and medicine, please do so within your cities or municipalities. Do not cross borders.)

He further clarified that medical appointments, going out for work and emergency services in hospitals are activities allowed when crossing borders. 

On Thursday, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases placed Laguna and Metro Manila under MECQ from August 21 to 31, and Bataan also under MECQ from Aug. 23 until Aug. 31. 

This as cases continue to climb, with more than 16,000 new COVID-19 cases recorded on Saturday amid the spread of the more contagious Delta variant. 

To date, country's total cases were at 1,824,051, including  123,935 active cases, 31,596 deaths and 1,668,520 recoveries. —KG, GMA News