Philippines: Authorities extend COVID-19 community quarantine rules in multiple localities as of July 30 /update 74

Event

The Philippines has extended community quarantine rules in multiple localities as of July 30 due to COVID-19 concerns. 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.

Iloilo City, Iloilo Province, as well as Cagayan de Oro and Gingoog, will remain under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the tightest set of rules, through Aug. 7. Authorities will also impose ECQ protocols in Metro Manila Aug. 6-20. ECQ rules include requiring residents to stay at home, except to work in essential industries, obtain essential supplies, and seek assistance in an emergency, among others. Mass gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited. Wearing both facemasks and face shields is compulsory in public spaces nationwide. Residents aged 18-65 may leave their homes, though stricter rules are in place in several areas. At-risk groups cannot work on-site nationwide, with limited exceptions. Mass transport may operate but at a limited capacity. Domestic routes between several cities operate with protocols, such as compulsory use of facemasks.

The central government has placed multiple locations under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), the second tightest set of rules, through August 15. Officials are implementing MECQ measures in Cebu City and Cebu Province, as well as Bataan, Ilocos Norte, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue. Under MECQ, key industries can work on-site with full capacity, while sectors like telecommunications can operate with half their workforce. Some public transport vehicles can still operate for commuters who are allowed to leave their homes. Several businesses, like tourism sites and entertainment venues, have been instructed to suspend their operations. Nonessential mass gatherings are banned.

Authorities have extended general community quarantine with heightened restrictions (GCQ-HR) in Metro Manila Aug through Aug 5. Other locations implementing GCQ-HR measures through Aug. 15 are Aklan, Antique, Bacolod, Bulacan, Butuan City, Cagayan, Capiz, CaviteIlocos Sur, Davao City, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao Occidental, Laguna, Lucena, Naga City, Negros Oriental, Misamis Oriental, Rizaland and Zamboanga del Sur. Under the GCQ-HR restrictions, most workplaces and public places may operate but with tighter limits than typical GCQ protocols.

Authorities have mandated multiple areas to enforce the general community quarantine (GCQ), which is less stringent than MECQ. Officials are implementing standard GCQ measures through Aug. 31 in Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Apayao, Baguio, Batangas, Cotabato City, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, Dinagat Islands, General Santos City, Guimaras, Isabela, Negros Occidental, Nueva Vizcaya, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Puerto Princesa, Santiago City, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Quezon, Quirino, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay. 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 reduced capacities and health protocols. Nonessential mass gatherings remain suspended. Dining at indoor and outdoor food establishments can occur at up to 50 and 75-percent of the venue's capacity respectively.

The central government allows all other localities to enact the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) through Aug. 31. Companies can work on-site. Public transport can operate with distancing controls. Mass gatherings can occur at half of the venue's capacity.

Additional rules by local governments on top of controls mandated by the central government are widespread nationwide. Metro Manila and Cebu City are enforcing 00:00-04:00 and 22:00-04:00 nightly curfews, respectively. Officials may enforce short-term localized movement restrictions, such as stay-home orders, to facilitate mass testing of residents.

Travel Restrictions
Foreign nationals who can enter the Philippines are subject to requirements, such as having valid visas; quarantine for 10 days at a centralized facility upon arrival and another four days at their residence; pre-booking a quarantine facility; and undergoing PCR tests. International arrivals coming from "green" countries who have received full vaccinations from designated low-risk localities or the Philippines may undergo a shorter quarantine period of seven days at designated facilities.

Several types of foreign nationals may enter the Philippines. The groups include holders of most visas, such as investor visas and visas issued by state agencies like the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority; diplomats and members of international organizations and their dependents who hold relevant visas; foreign spouses and children of Filipino citizens who are traveling with the Filipino nationals; and people in emergency or humanitarian situations. However, visits for tourism purposes remain suspended. An entry ban remains in place for individuals with travel history in the past two weeks to Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand or the UAE through Aug. 15 due to concerns about COVID-19 variants.

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)