The month of September ends with over 300,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19. While waiting for the announcement, Metro Manila residents have adjusted to the measures set by both national and local governments. In terms of transportation, President Duterte decided that the one-meter distance in public transportation remain. Commuters and motorists will also have to adjust to the closure of the U-turn slot in North Avenue. For tourists from Metro Manila, travel passes will be required before entering Tagaytay City as the area opens for local tourism.
Quarantine Updates
Jogging and biking lanes now allowed in Greenhills
Residents of San Juan can now stay active as Greenhills Mall opens the Greenhills Active Playground, a place for biking and jogging that is open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The shopping complex opened the playground last September 17 [1]. The entire vicinity is marked with instructions for workout drills and distance indicators. Finishing one lap at the complex is equivalent to one kilometer. The management has yet to confirm if the playground is only accessible to San Juan residents or if there’s any fee to be paid.
Traffic News
President Duterte retains one-meter distancing in public transportation
President Rodrigo Duterte announced that the 1-meter physical distance shall be retained between passengers in public transportation, Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr announced last September 19.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) previously announced a plan to gradually ease the physical distancing measures in public transportation, which received backlash from netizens and multiple sectors. President Duterte made the decision after hearing the concerns of medical experts and government officials of a possible spike in COVID-19 cases if the physical distancing is reduced. In addition to observing physical distancing, Roque reminds commuters to wear face shields and face masks. Talking and eating are also prohibited [2].
North Avenue U-turn closed starting September 28
Motorists are advised to expect the closure of the U-turn slot in North Avenue bus stop starting September 28. The closure of the U-turn slot will give way to the installation of concrete barriers for the new bus lane. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that 12 other U-turn slots will be closed to improve the travel time of buses [3]. Slot that will be closed are as follows:
Signs were placed along EDSA to remind motorists of the closure.
Travel Updates
Metro Manila residents need travel pass for Tagaytay
Tourists from Metro Manila who are planning to enter Tagaytay will need to present an authorized travel pass before they can enter the city. The Cavite police set up checkpoints along the borders of the province to screen incoming tourists as Tagaytay City reopens for tourism. The checkpoints will be used to ensure that persons from areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) won’t be able to enter Cavite without a travel authority. Currently, only tourists from areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) are allowed to enter Tagaytay City [4].
Health News
Caloocan City opens 32-bed quarantine facility
A 32-bed quarantine facility was opened by the Caloocan City government and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) last September 20. The quarantine facility is located behind the Caloocan City North Medical Center in Camarin. It will be used to quarantine COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms. Besides providing bed and amenities, food and vitamins will also be given for free for the patients. Medical staff will also conduct regular check-ups on patients [5].
Go to Yoorekka for more COVID-19 updates and lockdown news in Metro Manila.
Sources:
[1] https://bit.ly/3iWKqT4
[2] https://bit.ly/3n0ihNw
[3] https://bit.ly/341dy5i
[4] https://bit.ly/2RWSPtU
[5] https://bit.ly/3322OV7
About Denisse Shawntel Tan
Denisse Tan is currently a work in progress: she’s an aspiring writer, artist, and fashion designer! She’s trying to figure out how to manage her time in achieving all of her goals while also taking in life as humanly possible. Aside from art, she’s a big fan of the color pink, disco music, Bratz dolls, and Genshin Impact. By age 35, she plans to travel to New York City 🗽.
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