As the National Capital Region (NCR) was placed under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from August 21 to 31, 2021, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said that “granular lockdowns” would be intensified in areas where there are noted spikes in Covid-19 cases.
MMDA Chairman Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. said that Metro Manila local government units (LGUs) shall also double up its mass testing, immediate isolation, and contact tracing to control further transmission.
The Metro Manila Council (MMC) welcomed the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) placing the NCR under MECQ.
“Even prior to the announcement, the Metro local government units have been imposing granular lockdowns in their respective jurisdictions,” Abalos said.
Curfew, outdoor exercise
The imposition of unified curfew hours from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. across the cities and municipality of NCR shall remain in effect until further notice.
Meanwhile, the resolution prohibiting Metro Manila residents from conducting physical fitness exercises outdoor, which took effect last August 9, will lapse on Friday, August 20, as specified in the resolution.
“Hence, outdoor exercises in NCR will be allowed for the period of MECQ starting tomorrow, August 21, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. only,” Abalos said.
ECQ vs MECQ
Abalos said that during the recent implementation of the two-week ECQ period, only essential businesses are open.
“Authorized persons outside of residence (APORs), including workers of essential businesses are allowed to go out. Non-APOR are not allowed to go outside except for emergency purposes and accessing essential goods and services,” the MMDA chief added.
Unlike previous MECQ in the NCR, he stressed, indoor and al-fresco dine-in services, and personal care services, including beauty salons, beauty parlors, barbershops and nail spas are not allowed.
“Religious gatherings shall remain online or virtual,” he said.
Meanwhile, as approved by the IATF, necrological services, wakes, inurnment and funerals shall be allowed, provided the immediate family members of the deceased who died of causes other than Covid-19 shall present satisfactory proof of their relationship with the deceased and that they fully comply with the prescribed minimum public health standards.
Close coordination
“On behalf of the Metro Manila Council, I would like to express our gratitude to Senator Richard Gordon, chairman and chief executive officer of the Philippine Red Cross, and Secretary Vince Dizon, Deputy Chief Implementer and testing czar, for granting our request for more Covid-19 test kits,” he said.
He also thanked the Department of the Interior and Local Government for renewing the contracts of hired contact tracers vital to sustain contact tracing efforts to decrease the spread of the virus.
He vowed that the MMC will coordinate and work closely with the Philippine National Police for the strict implementation of granular lockdowns as well as observance and compliance to minimum health protocols.
“We shall also request the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to make available more hotels as standby isolation facilities as Covid cases are continuously rising and some hospitals have reached full capacities,” he added.
Covid vaccine
Abalos said that 585,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine has arrived in the country on Friday.
Of which, 79 percent of will be distributed to 38 local government units and the MMDA and 21 percent to private companies.
“This will be a great boost to our efforts of ramping up vaccination in NCR,” he said.