Shortened curfew hours in Metro Manila to start tomorrow

The quarantine restrictions devised to combat the COVID-19 in Metro Manila are set. Starting September 16, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will implement 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m unified curfew hours.

Metro Manila will be imposing new curfew hours

According to MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos, the decision of enacting the new unified curfew hours has been agreed upon by the Metro Manila Council, a governing body that is composed of the mayors of the National Capital Region (NCR).

The unified curfew hours will coincide with the implementation of the new “Alert Level 4” in Metro Manila, as the granular lockdown that starts on September 16. It is the second-highest alert level under the new system, with the Alert Level 5 as the equivalent of the previous enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

The new system is part of efforts to curb COVID-19 transmission in the capital

Under the Alert Level 4 guidelines, persons below 18 years old and above 65 years old, those with immunodeficiencies and health risks, and pregnant women are not allowed to leave their homes. The only time they are allowed to go out is when obtaining essential goods and services, or for work in permitted industries and offices.

Individual outdoor exercises are allowed, regardless of comorbidities or vaccination status. However, these should be limited within the general area of residence such as barangay, purok, subdivision, and/or village. Also, minimum public health standards such as wearing of face masks and social distancing protocols must be observed.

The following establishments and/or activities shall not be allowed to operate under the Alert Level 4 guidelines:

• Museums
• Indoor venues for meetings
• Cinemas and theaters
• Clubs, bars, and concert halls
• Theme parks and playgrounds
• Indoor limited face to face or in-person classes, examinations, and other educated-related activities at all levels
• Casinos and betting shops
• Social events such as but not limited to parties, wedding, receptions, debut, family reunions, and baby showers
• Indoor sports courts, gym, contact sports, and swimming pools
• Medical aesthetic clinics, massage spa, including home service
• Specialized markets of the Department of Tourism (DOT) such as staycations.

On the other hand, here are some establishments under the Alert Level 4 that are allowed to operate with limited capacity:

• Outdoor or al fresco dine-in services in restaurants and eateries (30%)
• Indoor dine-in services (10% with proof of full vaccination as requirement)
• Outdoor personal care services limited to barbershops, hair spas, nail spas, and beauty salons (30%)
• Indoor personal care services limited to barbershops, hair spas, nail spas, and beauty salons (10% with full vaccination as requirement)
• In-person religious gatherings (30%)
• Gatherings for necrological services, wakes, inurnment, funerals for those who died of causes other than COVID-19 shall be allowed, provided that the same shall be limited to immediate family members.
• Government agencies shall remain fully operational and adhere to at least a 20-percent on-site workforce. Work-from-home and other flexible work arrangements must be applied.

Visit Philkotse.com for more automotive news.