Philippines: Officials enforcing GCQ in Metro Manila through June 30, extending GCQ with stricter rules in some nearby provinces due to COVID-19 /update 8

Event

Authorities will enforce general community quarantine (GCQ) protocols, the third-strictest level of rules in Metro Manila and the neighboring Bulacan Province through June 30. However, more stringent measures will remain in effect in other nearby provinces due to COVID-19 concerns. 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. Public transport can operate at a reduced capacity with health protocols, such as maintaining social distancing of 1 meter (3 feet) between passengers.

Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal provinces will continue to enforce GCQ with heightened restrictions through June 30. The tighter measures include restricted capacity allowed for certain businesses and gatherings compared to typical GCQ rules. Dining in at indoor food establishments and religious services are capped at 20 and 10 percent of the venue's capacity, respectively. Nonessential mass gatherings remain banned.

Officials continue to allow leisure travel from Metro Manila and Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal provinces to areas enacting modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), the least stringent level of rules. Travelers must comply with protocols, like minimizing the number of stops to and from the tourism sites. It is unclear whether other types of non-essential travel out of Metro Manila and the surrounding provinces are allowed.

Authorities in some localities continue to enforce stricter rules. Officials in Metro Manila are shortening the nightly curfew, which will be in effect 00:00-04:00 curfew as of June 15. Exceptions are in place for essential workers as well as for certain specific circumstances. Some Metro Manila cities, including Manila and San Juan, have reissued quarantine passes for residents to present to officials when in public.

Increased security will probably remain in place across Metro Manila and the surrounding provinces for the duration of the controls. Officials have set up checkpoints in and around Metro Manila to enforce the protocols. Significant business and transport disruptions will likely continue.

Advice

Strictly heed the instructions of authorities. Avoid all nonessential operations in areas impacted by restrictions. Confirm appointments. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by law enforcement officers. Make allowances for likely business disruptions.