MECQ and ECQ: What's The Difference? Guidelines To Know This August 2021

After being placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) for two weeks, Metro Manila and its neighbouring provinces are now under a more relaxed quarantine status from 21 to 31 August.

The national government placed Metro Manila and the provinces of Laguna and Bataan were placed under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until 31 August 2021. The areas were earlier put under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) following a swell in the number of COVID-19 cases.

“These latest classifications are without prejudice to the strict implementation of granular lockdowns,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

In this article, Tatler answers frequently asked questions regarding the new quarantine level.

Read also: Lambda, Delta, And More: COVID-19 Variants And What You Need To Know

Why Was MECQ Imposed Until End Of August 2021?

The restriction was imposed to prevent the impending COVID-19 Delta variant breakout in the country. Delta is one of the 11 SARS-CoV-2 strains that the World Health Organisation (WHO) is closely monitoring. It is described as the deadlier, more contagious version of the virus.

Variants are expected from viruses including SARS-CoV-2. While most changes have little to no impact on the virus' properties, some of them are closely being watched as they could affect the virus' transmission rate, the severity of the disease, performance of the vaccines and therapeutic medicines, and social measures.

In its latest tally, the Department of Health (DOH) logged 182 additional cases of the more transmissible Delta variant.

Above Photo: JR Padlan on Unsplash

Who Can Go Out Amid MECQ?

The stay-at-home policy for the MECQ remains strict, except for APOR or authorized persons outside of the residence. These people include those who are working in the medical, banking, utilities, and food industries.

Other authorized persons are the government skeleton workforce, cargo delivery personnel, funeral service employees.

Only one person per household can go out to get medicine, food, and other necessary items. Based on the Inter-Agency Task Force against Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), any person below 18 years old, those who are over 65 of age, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other health risks, and pregnant women shall be required to remain in their homes at all times.

More from Tatler: Tatler Heroes: Filipinos Leading The Fight Against Covid-19

Will Curfews Continue?

Unfortunately, there are still curfews imposed amid MECQ. In a statement on Sunday, 11 April, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairperson Benhur Abalos said all mayors agreed to implement curfew hours from 8pm to 5am until 30 April.

Related: Quarantine Routine: 7 Ways To Beat Boredom At Home

Are Gatherings Allowed?

Under the MECQ, gatherings outside of residences are strictly prohibited. Gatherings within residences with any person outside of the household are also not allowed.

Some essential gatherings that involve health or government services and humanitarian activities are allowed under the authorization of the appropriate agency.

Religious gatherings are also allowed if people are only going to take up 10 per cent of the venue. An authorization letter or permit from the respective local government unit (LGU) is also needed.

Gatherings for necrological services, wakes, inurnment, funerals for those who died of causes other than COVID-19 are also permitted, but only for immediate family members who can prove their relationship with the deceased.

Also read: COVID-19 News 2021: How Are Teenagers Coping With The Pandemic?

Above Photo: Dave Lastovskiy on Unsplash

Can People Dine-In At Restaurants?

Dining inside restaurants remains prohibited, but according to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez, alfresco or outdoor dining is permitted under MECQ.

Food establishments must strictly follow policies such as setting up diagonal seating arrangements for customers, using acrylic dividers on tables and allowing only up to 50 per cent capacity.

In an article, Tatler recommended tips for eating out safely. These include observing proper mask etiquette, social distancing, bringing your own utensils, and making reservations ahead of time.

Read more: 9 Tips For Eating Out Safely: How To Minimise Risk Amidst The COVID-19 Pandemic

Who Can Travel In And Out Of NCR Plus?

For people coming in NCR Plus, checkpoints in boundaries will still remain according to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas.

Passengers who are travelling through domestic and international flights are allowed only if their travel is essential.

In a Tweet, Cebu Pacific announced that it will continue to operate its domestic and international flights as scheduled, however, passengers who wish to postpone their flights may select their preferred option.

More from Tatler: Expert Opinion: 6 Ways Luxury Travel Could Change Post-Covid

Above Photo: Jakayla on Unsplash

What Modes Of Transportation Are Allowed In MECQ?

Modes of public transportation allowed amid GCQ will remain on the streets amid MECQ according to Department of Transportation (DOTR) assistant secretary Goddes Libiran.

There are also 60 PUJ routes and 190 provincial PUB routes that will be opened on 13 and 15 April and respectively. Only APORs are allowed to board the said transportation.

Topics

IATF ECQ MECQ Protocols Metro Manila COVID-19 Quarantine Dining Travel Curfew

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