NCR, surrounding areas back on MECQ: What to expect on the road

The Philippines has now reached a total of over 100,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 65,557 recoveries and 2,059 recorded deaths. In the past few weeks, a commotion has also started regarding the concerns over the local medical community.

With this, the Philippine government has decided to impose Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine or MECQ starting from August 4 to August 18, 2020. The areas that will be under the MECQ are the National Capital Region (NCR), Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, and Bulacan.

Department of Transportation's MECQ guidelines

Under the MECQ, commuters will be having a really tough time as PNR, LRT-1, LRT-2, MRT-3, buses, jeepneys, taxis, and transport network vehicle services (TNVS) will be suspended.

However, some tricycles will remain operational if approved by their local government unit (LGU) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

As for those who have their personal vehicle, they will be allowed to carry a maximum of two people per row only. Of note, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) clarified that only authorized persons outside residences (APOR) are allowed to go out and drive in MECQ.

Government employees, emergency respondents, healthcare workers, delivery couriers, bank employees, and other essential workers are part of APOR. People who are also planning to go to groceries, drugstores, and banks are allowed to drive out.

>>> Related: Truth about modified ECQ and why you should still stay at home

Jogging, running, and biking are still allowed as long as safety protocols are observed [Source: selihpxe8]

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For APORs, it would be best to bring with them their valid IDs and car registrations as checkpoints in the areas under MECQ will be put into place. Philippine National Police (PNP) with the help of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and some healthcare officials will be manning the checkpoints.

Drive out if it's only necessary

Meanwhile, bicycles and motorcycles will be having a tough time also as the DOTr is strictly prohibiting back riding. This means that there must be only one rider per two-wheeled vehicle. Violations to the said protocols are subject to fines.

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