AUGUST 2021 ECQ GUIDELINES
Here we are again with another season of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) on top of the tanning weather we are currently having. The Philippine Government announced that the whole of NCR, and the surrounding areas (commonly referred to as NCR+), will be placed under ECQ once again from 06 August 2021 to 20 August 2021 as an effort to curb the proliferation of the Delta variant of COVID-19. The Delta variant is a highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 virus strain, which was first identified in India last December.
With the looming threat of the Delta variant, the Philippine Government yielded to the recommendation of experts, business leaders, and mayors to place Metro Manila under ECQ from 6 August to 20 August, pursuant to IATF Resolution 130-A.
Here are some guidelines you might need reminding of for the impending August 2021 ECQ:
Curfew. -- Metro Manila mayors have agreed to impose a curfew from 8:00pm to 4:00am starting 06 August 2021, pursuant to MMDA Resolution No. 21-16, series of 2021.
Liquor Ban. -- According to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairperson Benhur Abalos, they are giving the discretion to impose a liquor ban to each LGU. Fortunately for us, there are LGUs saying they will not be implementing a liquor ban.
People that are allowed to leave their homes. -- All households should observe strict home quarantine. People below 18 years old, those who are 65 years old and above, people with immunodeficiency, comorbidity or other health risks, and pregnant women must remain in their homes at all times.
Residents of the affected areas may only leave their homes if they will obtain essential goods and services, if they will report for work in industries and offices which are allowed to operate even under ECQ, or for other activities permitted under ECQ.
Gatherings. -- Gatherings are not allowed under ECQ -- even those done at home with guests outside of the immediate household. Gatherings essential for the provision of health services, government services, or humanitarian activities authorized by the appropriate government agency or instrumentality are exempt from this prohibition.
Additional exemptions to this are necrological services, wakes, inurnment and funerals of people who died of causes other than COVID-19. These religious services may be attended by the immediate family of the deceased and the religious ministers concerned.
Establishments. -- As a general rule, non-essential establishments will have to shut down during ECQ. For the full list of establishments that are allowed to open, please refer to the OMNIBUS GUIDELINES ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMUNITY QUARANTINE IN THE PHILIPPINES with Amendments as of May 20, 2021.
Public Transportation. -- Road, rail, maritime, and aviation sectors of public transportation shall be allowed to operate at a capacity which will be determined by the Department of Transportation.
COVID-19 vaccination. -- According to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, COVID-19 vaccination operations shall continue. However, walk-in vaccines will not be allowed. She mentioned that they will adhere to a strict schedule to avoid mass gathering at the vaccination sites.
She also said that the LGUs should be ready to provide transportation to and from the vaccination sites since public transportation will be limited during ECQ.
Financial Aid or Ayuda.-- On Friday, July 30, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that Malacañang expects that cash aid similar to the assistance provided in March shall be disbursed – P1,000 per person or up to P4,000 per family. The Palace has yet to confirm if the ayuda will come in the form of a cash aid, the exact amount, and how many families will be covered.
We hope everybody can once again pull through this difficult time.
Stay safe and healthy, everyone!
