Philippines: Authorities extend COVID-19-related community quarantine rules of varying levels nationwide through Jan. 31 /update 49

Event

Philippine authorities have extended community quarantine restrictions of varying levels nationwide through Jan. 31 to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The country remains under Code Red Sublevel 2 on the code alert system, indicating ongoing local virus transmission with greater numbers of cases than the government can address.

Several areas are enacting the general community quarantine (GCQ), the third-strictest level of controls, through Jan. 31. Under the GCQ, most workplaces and public places can operate with distancing protocols. Select industries, such as agriculture, supermarkets, and utilities, can operate on-site at full capacity. Several other sectors, including barbershops and salons, may open at reduced capacities. Public transport can operate at a reduced capacity with health protocols, such as maintaining one-meter distancing between passengers. Nonessential mass gatherings remain capped at 10 people, while religious congregations can occur with attendees occupying up to 30 percent of the venues' capacity. GCQ is in effect in the following locations:

• Luzon: Metro Manila, Batangas and Isabela provinces, and Santiago City

• Mindanao: Davao del Norte and Lanao del Sur provinces and Davao and Iligan cities

• Visayas: Iloilo and Tacloban cities

The central government allows all other localities to enact the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), which is the least severe level of restrictions, through Jan. 31. Companies can work on-site, though at-risk employees must telecommute. Officials are allowing public places, such as food establishments and gyms, to operate at 50-percent capacity. Public transport can operate with distancing controls in place. Mass gatherings may occur at half of the venue capacity. Universities can conduct on-site activities with health protocols, while other educational institutions remain suspended with limited exceptions.

Wearing both facemasks and face shields is compulsory when in public nationwide. Facilities such as children's amusement parks and establishments primarily serving alcoholic drinks remain closed in all forms of community quarantine. People aged 15-65 can leave their homes, though stricter rules are in place in several areas, including Metro Manila, which only allows people aged 18-65 to go out. At-risk groups cannot work on-site nationwide, with limited exceptions. Provincial and municipal authorities and healthcare professionals may appeal to the central government to either tighten or ease measures. Airlines, including AirAsia (AK), Cebgo (DG), Cebu Pacific (5J), and Philippine Airlines (PR), are operating domestic routes between several cities with health protocols in place; passengers must wear facemasks.

Local governments in several areas are implementing restrictions in addition to the controls mandated by the central government. Cebu City requires people to present quarantine passes when outside homes. A 2300-0400 nightly curfew is also in place in Cebu City. Officials said Dec. 29 that Sulu Province would impose enhanced restrictions Jan. 4-17. While details of the upcoming measures in Sulu are unclear, the rules will likely include entry and exit restrictions. Local officials may enforce short-term movement restrictions, such as stay-home orders with limited exemptions, to facilitate the mass testing of residents.

Travel Restrictions
Officials have extended a flight ban from the UK through at least Jan. 14 due to concerns over a new COVID-19 variant. Authorities will also continue to restrict entry for all passengers who have visited the UK within the 14 days preceding arrival. Travelers who arrived in the Philippines before 00001 Dec. 24 are exempt from the entry ban but must quarantine at a government facility in New Clark City, regardless of COVID-19 test results. Flights from the Philippines to the UK can operate under existing protocols. Authorities have also imposed a 14-day quarantine requirement for travelers arriving from Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore, where there have been recorded cases of the COVID-19 variant; the isolation will occur at the government facility in New Clark City. Officials said Dec. 29 that authorities are discussing a possible expansion of the travel ban.

Most foreign nationals remain banned from entering the country. Exemptions are in place for several groups of foreigners, including those with investor visas, visas issued by the state agencies Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, and foreign nationals with long-term visas, among others. Inbound foreign nationals must secure a quarantine facility and a COVID-19 testing provider before the trip and undergo two-week quarantine upon arrival. Other visas and applications and visa-free privileges remain suspended.

Context

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

Presidential Communications Operations Office
State COVID-19 Portal
World Health Organization (WHO)