NCR and 4 provinces are back under GCQ ‘with heightened restrictions’

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), with the approval of President Rodrigo Duterte, recommended a return to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions for NCR and four provinces from July 23 to July 31, 2021. The announcement came last week as the country prepares for the looming threat of the Delta variant of COVID-19. 

Joining Metro Manila in the new quarantine classification are the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte.

Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur were previously under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) until the end of July. Meanwhile, Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte were previously under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) until July 31.

Under GCQ with heightened restrictions, children five years old and above will not be able to go outdoors, as per the IATF resolution No. 125. 

Apart from this, personal care services are allowed to operate at 30% with an additional 10% allotted if the establishment has a Safety Seal. 

Outdoor tourist attractions are similarly allowed at 30% capacity. For staycations hotels, they may operate at 100% venue capacity. Other DOT-accredited establishments are allowed up to 30% capacity. There are no age restrictions for hotel stays as long as minimum public health standards are practiced.

Indoor dining establishments may operate at 20% capacity and up to 30% with a Safety Seal. Outdoor dining establishments may operate at up to 50% capacity.

With this latest development, the IATF has requested commercial establishments to consider putting up temporary outdoor spaces for the safe continuity of economic activities. Also encouraged are outdoor weekend markets and dining spaces, outdoor recreational facilities, permanently accessible urban green spaces, and public sanitation facilities. 

As citizens adjust to new quarantine classifications, expect changes in traffic and general vehicle flow on highways and expressways in the coming days. We advise planning schedules and trips ahead of time in order to avoid any inconvenience on the road.