Philippines: Authorities extend COVID-19 quarantine rules in communities nationwide until at least Sept. 30 /update 76

Event

The government has extended COVID-19-related restrictions across the Philippines until at least Sept. 30. 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.

Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ), the second-tightest measures, remain in effect for Apayao, Bataan, Bulacan, Cavite, Lucena City, Rizal, Laguna, Iloilo Province, Iloilo City, and Cagayan De Oro City until at least Sept. 30. MECQ is also in effect for Metro Manila until at least Sept. 15. In areas under MECQ, key industries can work on-site with full capacity, while other sectors, like telecommunications, can operate with half their workforce. Some public transport is available for permitted commuters. Nonessential tourist attractions and entertainment venues are closed. Nonessential mass gatherings are banned. Specific restrictions may vary based on location.

General Community Quarantine with heightened restrictions (GCQ-HR) will continue in Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Quezon, Batangas, Naga City, Antique, Bacolod City, Capiz, Cebu Province, Lapu-Lapu City, Negros Oriental, Zamboanga Del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao De Oro, Davao Occidental, and Butuan City. Under the GCQ-HR restrictions, most workplaces and public places may operate but with tighter limits than typical General Community Quarantine (GCQ) measures.

Authorities have mandated GCQ protocols in Baguio City, Kalinga, Abra, Benguet, Dagupan City, City of Santiago, Quirino, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Tarlac, Occidental Mindoro, Puerto Princesa, Aklan, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Cebu City, Mandaue City, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Iligan City, Davao Oriental, Davao Del Sur, General Santos City, Sultan Kudarat, Saranggani, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Agusan Del Norte, Agusan Del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao Del Norte, Surigao Del Sur, Cotabato City, and Lanao Del Sur.

Most workplaces and public places can operate in GCQ areas, 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 Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ). Gatherings can occur at half of the venue's capacity. Companies can operate with on-site staff, and public transport can operate with distancing controls. Many local jurisdictions continue to implement controls beyond those mandated by the central government. Officials may enforce short-term localized movement restrictions to facilitate mass testing of residents.

Travel Restrictions
Foreign nationals allowed to enter the Philippines are subject to specific 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. Fully vaccinated international arrivals from government-designated "green countries" may quarantine for seven days at specific facilities. Visits for tourism purposes remain suspended.

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)