A total of eight transitioning high-risk areas have been placed under the modified enhanced community quarantine while two are under the ECQ until the end of the month.
Based on the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease Resolution No. 37 released yesterday morning, the following high-risk areas will be under ECQ until May 31:
1. Cebu City
2. Mandaue City
Meanwhile, the following transitioning eight high-risk areas will be under the MECQ until the end of the month:
1. National Capital Region
2. Bataan
3. Bulacan
4. Nueva Ecija
5. Pampanga
6. Zambales
7. Angeles City
8. Laguna
The rest of the country is placed under the general community quarantine to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Based on the resolution, the areas covered by the quarantine zones were updated after validation with the IATF sub-technical working group on data analytics, with updated case numbers and health systems capacity data, and in consideration of the appeals of the local government units.
Under the MECQ, more manufacturing businesses have been allowed to operate. Malls and other non-leisure stores are now also allowed to partially open.
The new omnibus guidelines released by the IATF stated that those with immunodeficiency, comorbidities, or other health risks, and pregnant women are not allowed inside malls and shopping centers except when indispensable under the circumstances for obtaining essential goods and services, or if their work is located therein.
Firearms and ammunition trading establishments may now also partially operate subject to strict regulation of the Firearms and Explosives Office.
Pastors, priests, rabbi, imams, and other religious ministers are allowed to provide home religious services to households but proper protocols must be observed such as physical distancing and the wearing of face masks, among others.
While adhering to minimum health standards, religious gatherings are highly restricted and shall be limited to not more than five persons. Other public gatherings that are unauthorized, non-work essential or entertainment-related remain prohibited. (Argyll Geducos)
