Starting tomorrow, August 21, the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila will be eased to Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) once again. The COVID-19 Interagency Task Force (IATF) has confirmed easing the strict lockdown in the metro, alongside Laguna and Bataan, with its duration set until August 31.
If you need a refresher on what the MECQ means for your trips outdoors, here’s a quick guide on what you can expect under this community quarantine classification.
As of August 6, here are the IATF’s rules for areas under MECQ, with a few changes announced by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.
- People who are below 18 years old and above 65 years old, and those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other health risks, as well as pregnant women are required to stay at home, except for obtaining essential goods and services, or for work.
- Quarantine passes are no longer required, Metro Manila Council Chairman Edwin Olivarez told ABS-CBN’s Teleradyo.
- The curfew of 8PM to 4AM in Metro Manila remains in place.
- Indoor and al-fresco dine-in services are not allowed. You can only avail food for delivery and pick-up.
- Personal care services such as beauty salons, beauty parlors, barbershops and nail spas are prohibited.
- Religious gatherings should remain virtual in Metro Manila, Laguna, and Bataan.
- Dental, rehabilitation, optometry, and other medical clinics for the treatment of illness or injuries are open with an on-site skeleton workforce.
- Entertainment venues with live performers such as karaoke bars, bars, clubs, concert halls, theaters, and cinemas are still not allowed.
- Outdoor sports courts or venues for contact sports, scrimmages, games, or activities are also prohibited.
- Indoor sports courts or venues, fitness studios, gyms, spas or other indoor leisure centers or facilities, and swimming pools are not allowed.
- Indoor and outdoor tourist attractions are not allowed.
- Gatherings outside of residences shall be prohibited. Indoor gatherings with any person outside of one’s immediate household shall also be prohibited.
- Individual outdoor exercises such as outdoor walks, jogging, running or biking, are allowed within the general area of their residence, such as their barangay, purok, subdivision, and/or village. The wearing of face mask and social distancing shall still be observed.
For the full list of rules and regulations under the MECQ, check out the IATF’s Omnibus Guidelines here. You can also read the Philippine News Agency’s report on the imposition of MECQ in Metro Manila, Laguna, and Bataan here.
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Note: These rules and regulations are subject to change without prior notice.
