Philippines: Authorities extend community quarantine restrictions in most part of the country through April 30 /update 61

Event

The Philippines has extended community quarantine protocols of varying levels in most parts of the country through April 30, with stricter controls in some localities with varying time frames, to stem the spread of COVID-19. 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 ordered Metro Manila and the surrounding provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal to enforce the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) through April 4. Additionally, local officials in Tuguegarao City are enacting ECQ through April 8. Under ECQ, residents must stay at home, except to work in essential industries, obtain essential supplies, and for emergencies, among others. On-site work is suspended, except for essential services. Nonessential mass gatherings are banned. Some public transport vehicles can still operate for commuters who are allowed to leave their homes. Additionally, nonessential travel to and from Metro Manila and the affected surrounding provinces remains suspended through April 4.

Quirino Province and Santiago City will implement modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) rules April 1-15 and April 1-30 respectively. Under MECQ, key industries can 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, and most public transport are suspended. Nonessential mass gatherings are suspended.

Additional localities will enforce the general community quarantine (GCQ), the third-strictest level of curbs, April 1-30. 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. Officials have ordered several types of establishments, including cinemas and museums, in GCQ localities to close through April 4. 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 are banned, while religious congregations can occur, with attendees occupying up to 50 percent of the venue's capacity. The central government has ordered GCQ rules through April 1-30 in the following localities:

• Luzon: Baguio City; Abra, Apayao, Batangas, Benguet, Cagayan, Ifugao, Isabela, Kalinga, Mountain, and Nueva Vizcaya provinces

• Mindanao: Lanao del Sur Province and Davao and Iligan cities

• Visayas: Tacloban City

The central government will continue to allow all other localities to enact the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), the least severe level of rules, through April 30. 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.

Wearing both facemasks and face shields is compulsory when in public nationwide. Residents aged 15-65 may leave their residences, though stricter rules are in place in several areas. 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.

Local governments in several areas are implementing restrictions in addition to the controls mandated by the central government. A nightly 21:00-05:00 curfew is in effect in Tuguegarao City. Metro Manila is enforcing a nightly 18:00-05:00 curfew until further notice. Some localities, including Metro Manila's Manila and San Juan cities, have reissued or will reissue quarantine passes for residents to present to officials when in public. 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
Authorities continue to ban entry for most foreigners through 23:59 April 21. Exemptions are in place for diplomats and members of international organizations and their dependents who hold relevant visas, maritime workers with official permits for crew change, foreign spouses and children of Filipino citizens who are traveling with the Filipino nationals, and emergency or humanitarian situations, among others.

People who are still allowed to enter the Philippines must have valid visas, quarantine at designated facilities for at least a week, and undergo a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test on the sixth day upon arrival. Inbound foreign nationals must also pre-book a quarantine facility for at least seven nights. The entry of foreign nationals is subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the ports of entry; Metro Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) will cap international arrivals at 1,500 people daily through April 19.

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)