APORs can only return to their residence when lockdown ends, Roque says 

From September 8 to 30, the National Capital Region’s (NCR) quarantine classification will be downgraded from modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) to the less strict general community quarantine (GCQ). 

Businesses might be able to slowly reopen thanks to the GCQ

While this has left many scratching their heads as COVID-19 cases are still on the rise, a new strategy for combatting the pandemic will also be implemented during this period. Specifically, a pilot test for granular lockdowns will be executed in Metro Manila. 

For those unaware, a granular lockdown can also be described as targeted, or “micro lockdowns.” This means that only a small area like a street or certain barangays will be covered. These of course will depend on the number of COVID-19 cases in a given area. And lastly, the application of a granular lockdown will hinge upon the decision of local government units (LGU). 

There’s one huge caveat to this strategy though. According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, APORs or authorized persons outside of residence can still go out but won’t be allowed back in an area under a granulated lockdown. However, the government will be providing food assistance to the areas affected. 

To this end, many netizens were puzzled or taken aback by this. Regardless, many argue that in this setup, many businesses can still maintain their productivity. Moreover, the Department of Health also said that wider lockdowns encompassing entire regions appear to be no longer effective. As such, a new strategy like the granular lockdowns might do the job. 

Granular lockdowns will take effect in certain areas with high COVID-19 cases

Then again, what Roque said about APORs might change as concerned government entities are yet to release clear-cut guidelines for the granular lockdowns. Roque clarified that the final guidelines will be released as soon as possible.    

Of note, the Philippines has recently clocked in its highest daily COVID-19 cases at 22,415. This was tallied on September 6, and thus it broke the previous record that was recorded on August 30. Moreover, the entire NCR except for the city of Manila is currently under Alert level 4. This is due to the aforementioned rise in cases, as well as a high hospital bed utilization rate.  

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