Gov’t issues new guidelines for MGCQ areas
Published June 4, 2020, 2:55 PM
Not everyone will be allowed to leave their homes in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) based on the revised government rules.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has issued a new resolution stating that the movement of all persons will be limited to accessing essential goods and services and for work in offices allowed to operate under MGCQ.
Persons below 21 years old, above 60 years, those with health risks, and pregnant women are also required “to remain in their residences at all times.”
Exception may be given to those going out for essential activities, according to Presidential spokesman Harry Roque.
Under the previous IATF guidelines, all persons were allowed to go outside their residences in places declared under the less stringent MGCQ.
“Tungkol sa galaw ng tao sa MGCQ kung saan nakasaad sa dating guidelines na pinapayagan ang lahat na lumabas sa kanilang bahay, nagkaroon ng pag-amenda dito. At ngayon sa resolution no. 43, mananatili hindi po dapat lumabas ang mga bata, 21 years old and below at ating mga seniors 60 years old and above subject doon sa exceptions na kung kinakailangan for necessities para magtrabaho (On the movement of people in MGCQ where the previous guidelines allowed all to leave their homes, there has been an amendment. In Resolution No. 43, people 21 years old and below and seniors 60 years old and above will not be allowed to leave their houses subject to the exceptions for necessities and for work),” Roque said in a press conference aired on government television Thursday.
The latest restricted movement of people in MGCQ came after country’s cases of coronavirus soared to 19,748, including 4,153 recoveries and 974 deaths as of June 3.
The government recently further relaxed the lockdown measures across the country, allowing more businesses and limited public transportation in a bid to jumpstart the economy.
After more than two months of strict lockdown, Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Central Visayas, Pangasinan, Zamboanga City and Davao City have shifted to the general community quarantine (GCQ) from June 1 to June 15. The rest of the country has been placed under the more relaxed modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
The government has imposed minimum public health standards in these quarantine areas at all times to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease.
Other IATF amendments
Apart from the movement of people, the IATF made several amendments to the guidelines concerning mass gatherings, hotel operations, outdoor sports and class opening in MGCQ areas.
In MGCQ places, mass gatherings for religious services and work conferences are now allowed provided participants shall be limited to 50 percent of the seating capacity.
Accredited hotel and other accommodation establishments located in MGCQ places may also operate upon issuance of certificate of authority by the Department of Tourism.
“For this purpose, the DOT and DILG shall work with LGUs to ensure compliance of accommodation establishments,” the IATF resolution read.
The accommodation establishments include tourist inns, motels, pension houses, private homes used for homestay, ecolodges, serviced apartments, condominiums and bed and breakfast facilities.
Dine-in restaurants, fast food and food retail establishments including those in supermarkets, grocery stores and food preparation establishments are also allowed to operate at a maximum of 50 percent seating capacity under MGCQ.
Limited face-to-face or in-person classes may be conducted in higher education institutions (HEIs) provided there is strict compliance with health standards, consultation with local government units, and compliance with guidelines set by the Commission on Higher Education.
The IATF also included range shooting in the the list of outdoor sports allowed in both GCQ and MGCQ areas subject to health protocols.
On intrazonal movement, IATF ruled that movement of persons for any purpose across areas placed under MGCQ and areas where no community quarantine is in place shall be permitted. “But insofar as tourism travel is concerned, the same may still be subject to regulations of the LGU concerned or in the case of Boracay Island, the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force,” the resolution read.
SOURCE: https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/06/04/govt-issues-new-guidelines-for-mgcq-areas/
