Philippines: Authorities extend community quarantine rules through Feb. 28, lifts travel ban from some locations starting Feb. 1 /update 58

Event

Authorities in the Philippines continue to adjust restrictions to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as of Jan. 30. Starting Feb. 1, officials will lift an entry ban on foreign nationals with travel history within the previous 14 days to more than 30 countries, including Australia, China, India, Japan, Singapore, the US, and the UK. Authorities imposed the measure due to a new COVID-19 variant. The country remains under Code Red Sublevel 2 on its code alert system, indicating ongoing local virus transmission with greater numbers of cases than the government can address.

The central government has extended the general community quarantine (GCQ), the third-strictest level of curbs, in several localities through Feb. 28. Additionally, local officials in some areas are enforcing GCQ due to high COVID-19 activity. Davao Oriental Province's Lupon Municipality is enacting GCQ through Feb. 10. Under GCQ, most workplaces and public places can operate provided they adhere to social distancing protocols. Select facilities, such as agricultural businesses, supermarkets, and utility providers, can operate on-site at full capacity. Several other types of establishments, including barbershops and salons, may open at reduced capacities. Public transport can operate at a reduced capacity with health protocols, such as maintaining social distancing of 1 meter (3 feet) between passengers. Nonessential mass gatherings remain capped at ten people, while religious congregations can occur, with attendees occupying up to 30 percent of the venue's capacity. The central government has ordered GCQ rules through Feb. 28 in the following localities:

• Luzon: Metro Manila; Abra, Apayao, Batangas, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain provinces; and Baguio City

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

• Visayas: Tacloban City

The central government allows all other localities to enact the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), the least severe level of rules, through Feb. 28. Companies can work on-site, though at-risk employees must telecommute. Officials are allowing establishments that are open to the public, such as food service businesses, 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 closed, with limited exceptions.

While the central government has not mandated any locality to enact the two most stringent levels of protocols, the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), local officials in some areas are enacting or may appeal to implement these controls. Tuguegarao City has extended ECQ through Feb. 3, while Iloilo Province's Passi City is enforcing ECQ through Feb. 11. Under ECQ, residents must stay at home, except to obtain essential supplies and for emergencies. On-site work is suspended, except for essential services. Public transport and nonessential mass gatherings are banned. Local authorities in Eastern Samar Province's Borongan City are enforcing MECQ through Jan. 31. MECQ rules typically allow key industries to work on-site with full capacity, while sectors like real estate and manufacturing of nonessential goods can operate with half their workforce. Several businesses, like tourism sites and entertainment venues, are closed. Most public transport remains suspended.

Wearing both facemasks and face shields is compulsory when in public nationwide. Residents aged 15-65 may leave their residences; central authorities announced Jan. 26 that they have postponed a policy that allowed children aged 10-14 in MGCQ areas to leave their residences. Stricter rules are in place in several areas, including Metro Manila, where only people aged 18-65 can 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. Domestic routes between several cities operate with health protocols, such as compulsory use of facemasks, in place.

Local governments in several areas are implementing restrictions in addition to the controls mandated by the central government. 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
Most foreign nationals remain banned from entering the country. Exceptions include personnel of accredited international organizations and spouses and minor children of Filipino nationals, among others. Most visas and visa-free privileges remain suspended. Officials announced that from Feb. 1, inbound foreign nationals must have valid visas, pre-book a quarantine facility for at least seven nights, and undergo a COVID-19 quarantine on the sixth day upon arrival. The entry of foreign nationals is subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the ports of entry.

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.

Resources

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