After shortening the curfew hours in Metro Manila last September, the Metro Manila Council (MMC), a governing body that consists of Metro Manila mayors, decided to further shorten it. The previous 10:00 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew hours is now revised to 12 midnight to 4:00 a.m starting October 13.
New COVID-19 guidelines helped reduce total cases
The decision was approved unanimously by the 17 Metro Manila local chief executives as COVID-19 cases started to decline. With this, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos said that the Alert Level 4 in NCR will be adjusted to a lower alert level depending on the COVID-19 situation.
“Everything is going down. The number of COVID-19 cases are declining as well as the reproduction rate, according to DOH data and OCTA Research. In light of the recent developments particularly the steady decrease of active cases, the curfew hours being presently implemented in the NCR under Alert Level 4 has to be adjusted,” said MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), the improvement in COVID-19 cases can be accounted on the rapid and efficient detect and isolate strategies, as well as enhanced vaccination efforts. As of this writing, around 24 million people in the country have been fully vaccinated, or 22.7-percent of the population.
The curfew hours in NCR is now shorter
In line with the curfew hours announcement, the MMC approved a resolution urging Metro Manila LGUs to enact ordinances for the upcoming Undas happening from October 29 to November 2. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has also started preparing for the occasion to mainly maintain social distancing.
“Filipinos can still physically visit the graves of their departed loved ones earlier than October 29 or later than November 2, subject to the prescribed thirty percent (30%) venue capacity. Face masks, face shields, and observance of physical distancing will be required,” concluded Abalos.
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