Philippines: Authorities impose tighter COVID-19 community quarantine rules in several localities July 23 /update 73

Event

The Philippines will tighten community quarantine rules in several localities, including Metro Manila, through July 31 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.

Authorities have imposed general community quarantine with heightened restrictions (GCQ-HR) in Metro Manila, as well as Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur provinces through July 31. Other locations such as Aklan, Antique, Bacolod City, Cagayan, Capiz, Davao City, Laguna, Lucena City, Naga City, Negros Oriental, and Zamboanga del Sur also remain under GCQ-HR restrictions through July 31. Under the restrictions, most workplaces and public places may operate but with tighter limits than typical GCQ protocols. Indoor dining venues can open at 20-percent capacity or at an additional 10 percent with SafetySeal certification; outdoor dine-in services are capped at 50-percent capacity. Nonessential mass gatherings remain banned. Authorities prohibit interzonal travel or travel between areas of different quarantine classifications. Children aged five and above are not allowed in public areas; exemptions are in place for approved locations like parks and playgrounds. Indoor sports and gyms are suspended; non-contact sports are exempt from the restrictions. Indoor tourist sites and entertainment venues like bars and concert halls must close. Personal care services and outdoor tourist attractions may operate at 30-percent capacity.

Authorities have placed Iloilo City, Iloilo Province as well as Cagayan de Oro and Gingoog under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the tightest set of rules, through July 31. 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. Wearing both facemasks and face shields is compulsory in public spaces nationwide. Residents aged 15-65 may leave their homes, though stricter rules are in place in several areas. At-risk groups cannot work on-site nationwide, with limited exceptions. 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, from July 23 until further notice. Officials are implementing MECQ measures in Batac City and several towns in Ilocos Norte including Bangui, Dingras, Dumalneg, Marcos, Pagudpud, Paoay, Pasuquin, and Solsona. MECQ restrictions also remain in effect through July 31 in Bataan, Butuan City, Davao Occidental, and Davao de Sur. 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. Public transport can operate with reduced capacities. Several businesses, like tourism sites and entertainment venues, and nonessential mass gatherings remain suspended.

Authorities have mandated multiple areas to enforce the general community quarantine (GCQ), which is less stringent than MECQ, through at least July 31. Areas implementing standard GCQ measures are Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Cotabato, Cotabato City, Davao Oriental, Dinagat Islands, General Santos City, Guimaras, Isabela, Negros Occidental, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Zamboanga City, and Zamboangoa 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.

The central government allows all other localities to enact the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) through July 31. Companies can work on-site. Officials are allowing establishments that are open to the public to operate at 50-percent capacity. 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 23:00-05:00 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 July 31 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)