THE start of the reimposition of the general community quarantine (GCQ) in Metro Manila on Wednesday was marked with additional movement and business restrictions, including a uniform curfew.
On Tuesday, the National Task Force Against Covid-19 (NTF) together with members of the Cabinet in consultation with local chief executives of the National Capital Region (NCR) decided to enforce a curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the cities of Manila, Muntinlupa, and Pasig, were unable to immediately enforce the new policy since they currently have different curfew hours than what was approved by the NTF.
However, he noted the three cities have committed to comply with the uniform curfew hours, which was agreed upon.
The measure is part of the government initiative to limit the unnecessary movement in the country’s capital, which remains the epicenter of local novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases.
Movement restrictions
In the same meeting, Roque said the NTF let LGUs decide whether or not to require quarantine passes for their constituents.
“But for those in localized lockdowns, the quarantine passes will be required,” Roque said during an interview in PTV.
The NTF also allowed motorcycle backriding in NCR as long as the passenger is an Authorized Person Outside Residence (APOR), according to Roque. The driver, he noted, need not be an APOR.
“For motorcycle backriding under GCQ, riders living in the same house, there is no need for motorcycle barrier. For riders not living in the same house, there must be an
Angkas-designed barrier,” Roque explained.
Additional conditions include the motorcycle must be privately owned and not for hire. Both riders should also have face masks and full-face helmets that must be worn at all times while back riding
Deferred reopening
The NTF also decided to defer the reopening of nonessential establishments.
The affected establishments include personal care and aesthetic procedures and services, gyms/fitness studios and sports facilities, testing and tutorial centers, review centers, Internet cafés, drive-in cinemas, and pet grooming services.
“Dine-in restaurants, salons and barbershops and all their services, except full body massages, are allowed. The local government unit where the establishments are located would determine the capacity,” Roque said.
To further minimize the possible spread of Covid-19, Roque said face shields, apart from face masks, are required in commercial places, workplaces (indoor) and public transport.
Image credits: Jimbo Albano