Philippines: Authorities extend COVID-19 quarantine rules in communities nationwide until at least Sept. 7 /update 75

Event

The government of the Philippines has extended community quarantine rules in multiple localities until at least Sept. 7 due to COVID-19. The country remains under Code Red Sublevel 2 on its code alert system, indicating ongoing local virus transmission with more cases than the government can address.

The central government has placed multiple locations under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), the second tightest set of rules, until at least Sept. 7. Officials are implementing MECQ measures in Metro Manila, Aklan, Apayao, Bataan, Bulacan, Cagayan de Oro, Cavite, Cebu City, Ilocos Norte, Iloilo City, Iloilo Province, Laguna, Lapu-Lapu City, Lucena City, Mandaue City, and Rizal.

Under MECQ, key industries can work on-site with full capacity, while other sectors sectors like telecommunications can operate with half their workforce. Some public transport vehicles are allowed for commuters who are allowed to leave their homes. Other establishments, like tourism sites and entertainment venues, have been instructed to suspend their operations. Nonessential mass gatherings are banned. MECQ restrictions may vary depending on location.

Authorities have extended general community quarantine with heightened restrictions (GCQ-HR) until at least Sept. 7 in various localities, including Antique, Bacolod City, Batangas, Butuan City, Cagayan, Capiz, Cebu Province, Davao City, Davao Occidental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Ilocos Sur, Misamis Oriental, Naga City, Negros Oriental, Quezon, and Zamboanga del Sur. Under the GCQ-HR restrictions, most workplaces and public places may operate but with tighter limits than typical general community quarantine (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 until at least Sept. 7 in Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Baguio City, Cotabato City, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, Dinagat Islands, General Santos City, Guimaras, Isabella, Negros Occidental, North Cotabato, Nueva Vizcaya, Puerto Princesa, Quirino, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tarlac, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga del Norte.

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. Nonessential mass gatherings remain suspended. Dining at indoor and outdoor food establishments is allowed in line with capacity limits.

The central government allows all other localities to enact the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) until at least Sept. 7. Companies can work on-site. Public transport can operate with distancing controls. Mass gatherings can occur at half of the venue's capacity.

Many local jurisdiction continue to implement their own controls beyond those mandated by the central government. A 20:00-04:00 nightly curfew remains in effect in Metro Manila. Officials may enforce short-term localized movement restrictions to facilitate mass testing of residents.

Travel Restrictions
Foreign nationals who are allowed to enter the Philippines are subject to certain requirements, including having valid visas; quarantining for 10 days at a centralized facility upon arrival and another four days at their residence; pre-booking a quarantine facility; and undergoing COVID-19 PCR tests. International arrivals coming from government designated "green countries" who have received full vaccinations may undergo a shorter quarantine period of seven days at specific facilities. Visits for tourism purposes remain suspended.

An entry ban remains in place for individuals with travel history in the previous two weeks to Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, or the UAE through at least Sept. 5 due to concerns about COVID-19 variants. Further extensions of the restrictions are likely.

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)