The government is ironing out the guidelines for the suspension of travel to and from the National Capital Region to avoid confusion once the community quarantine in Metro Manila starts at midnight tonight.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles made the statement the morning after President Duterte announced the suspension of land, domestic air, and domestic sea travel to and from Metro Manila from March 15 to April 14 to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 in the country.
Nograles said there will be exemptions to the rule, particularly on cargo, goods, produce, patients seeking medical attention in Metro Manila, and workers in NCR but living outside the quarantine area.
However, he said these would have to be ironed out first.
Nograles said residents of NCR should not worry about the supplies of produce, food, and other supplies in groceries as their transport are subject to guidelines.
“We will flesh out the details on exemptions para sa mga pasyente, cargo, mga empleyadong papasok sa trabaho, pati government officials na exempted dahil kailangang pumunta sa iba-ibang lugar,” he said.
“You can show your ID pero is that sufficient? A company ID? Those are things na kailangan nating lagyan ng guidelines,” he added.
According to Trade and Industry Secretary Mon Lopez, drivers and other passengers of vehicles entering Metro Manila will undergo random inspection.
Nograles said private motorists will likewise be covered by the travel ban, noting that police officers will be placed in the borders of Metro Manila.
“Hindi ka puwede lumabas at pumasok ng Metro Manila hangga’t may mapakita kang proof sa law enforcers that you’re part of the exemption,” Nograles said. (Argyll Geducos)
