Bulacan, Apayao, Capiz under GCQ from Oct. 18 to 31 —IATF

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) downgraded the quarantine classification of Bulacan, Apayao and Capiz to general community quarantine starting October 18.

According to Isa Avendano-Umali's report on Dobol B TV, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the three provinces will be under the less stringent lockdown until October 31, 2021.

Bulacan and Apayao were previously under modified enhanced community quarantine while Capiz had been under GCQ with heightened restrictions.

What's allowed under GCQ

According to the IATF resolution updated as of Sept. 23, 2021, the following are allowed in areas under GCQ:

• Movement of persons will be limited to accessing goods and services from permitted establishments, for work in such establishments and for other activities allowed.
• All establishments, persons, or activities not permitted to operate, work, or be undertaken during ECQ will be allowed to operate anywhere between 50% to 100% on-site capacity as may be determined by the DTI while encouraging work-from-home and other flexible work arrangements, where applicable. From the maximum set by DTI, the LGUs may lower on-site capacities down to the minimum of 50% as set by DTI depending on the COVID-19 situation within their jurisdiction.
• All construction works are allowed but must comply with safety guidelines by DPWH.
• Government agencies will be fully operational and must operate at a maximum of 30% up to full on-site capacity.
• Senate, House, judiciary department, office of the Ombudsman, and Constitutional Commission must implement alternative work arrangements.
• Only hotels accredited by DOT are allowed to accommodate guests and clients for legitimate purposes under public health emergencies.
• Religious gatherings allowed up to 30% venue capacity but LGUs may increase its allowable venue capacity to 50%.

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• Gatherings for necrological services, wakes, inurnment, and funerals for those who died of causes other than COVID-19 and for the cremains of COVID-19 deceased shall be allowed up to 30% of the venue capacity. Provided, that the LGU concerned may increase the allowable venue capacity up to 50%.
• Visits to memorial parks, cemeteries and columbaria limited to 10 persons per group and not exceeding 30% venue capacity.
• Face to face classes for basic education still suspended while higher education and technical vocational education may be allowed subject to government guidelines.
• All types of public transportation may be allowed as long as it follows DOTr guidelines.
• Outdoor non-contact sports and other forms of exercise are allowed including walking, jogging, running, biking, golf, swimming, tennis, badminton, equestrian, range shooting, diving, and skateboarding are allowed. Minors and seniors citizens may be allowed outdoor non-contact sports and other forms of exercise.
• Movement of cargo and delivery vehicles must be unhampered.

Meanwhile, here are other restrictions for areas under GCQ:

• People under 18 years old and over 65 years old, people with comorbidities, pregnant women are not allowed to leave their homes except for essential travel

The following establishments are still banned:

• Entertainment venues with live performers such as karaoke bars, bars, clubs, concert halls, theaters, and cinemas;
• Recreational venues such as internet cafes, billiard halls, amusement arcades, bowling alleys, and similar venues;
• Amusement parks or theme parks, fairs/peryas, kid amusement industries such as playgrounds, playroom, and kiddie rides;
• Casinos, horse racing, cockfighting and operation of cockpits, lottery and betting shops;
• and other gaming establishments, except as may be authorized by the IATF or the Office of the President for the purpose of raising revenue for the government; and outdoor sports courts or venues for contact sports, scrimmages, games, or activities.

—Consuelo Marquez/KG, GMA News