QC enforces guidelines for public transport, businesses during ECQ

The Quezon City government on Monday issued guidelines for operations of businesses and public transport in the locality during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) which is in effect until April 4.

In a statement, the local government said the mass transport system will be under limited capacity and its passengers should be one seat apart.

"Under the ECQ guidelines issued by Mayor Joy Belmonte, public transportation may operate for the duration of the ECQ provided that passengers must be one seat apart," read the statement.

The city government said tricycles must only serve one passenger while back rides are not allowed to maintain social distancing.

“As an exception, e-trikes and similar vehicles with larger capacity shall follow the one seat-apart rule,” said Belmonte.

However, two passengers, who will be in the back seat, are allowed for taxis and transport network vehicle service (TNVS).

Passengers are also required to wear face masks and face shields while drivers may opt to not wear face shields for safety purposes, said the city government.

Meanwhile, the Quezon City government also imposed "public safety hours" or curfew hours from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. to ensure unnecessary travel of its residents.

Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APOR), persons dealing with emergencies or traveling for purposes of air/sea travel as shown by pre-booked tickets, are exempted from the curfew hours.

Operations of basic services

Public transportation, couriers, cargo vehicles, market delivery/bagsakan, food take-out and delivery, pharmacies, hospitals, convenience stores, and delivery of essential goods are allowed to operate for 24 hours.

But sari-sari stores especially those located in populated residential areas must be closed by 6 p.m. while neighborhood carinderias, eateries, and bakeries may continue to provide take-out and food delivery services during curfew hours.

Hawkers and ambulant vendors registered with the barangay or Market Development and Administration Department can sell food and non-alcoholic drinks beyond public safety hours, "provided that they strictly follow health and safety protocols and limit their service to take out only."

Markets, talipapas, and vending sites, must be closed by 6 p.m. but "bagsakan or delivery operations" may continue.

Internment wakes

Non-COVID-19 deceased should be buried or cremated within two days but only immediate family members of not more than ten persons may visit the wake of the deceased.

"Home services for the deceased are prohibited," the Quezon City government said.

For COVID-19 fatalities, their remains should be cremated within 12 hours of death as mandated in Quezon City ordinances.

Special concern lockdown

Quezon City said barangays must issue a written approval from the city government before closing roads during the implementation of special oncern lockdowns, which are placed on communities with high COVID-19 cases.

"Any road closure approved by the City shall be automatically lifted at the end of the ECQ period," read the statement.

As of March 28, Quezon City reported 7,978 active cases, 36,147 recoveries, and 894 deaths. Total COVID-19 cases in the locality reached 45,019.

— DVM, GMA News