This Week in Metro Manila (October 24 to 30, 2020)

The latest IATF resolution lowered the age range of residents allowed to go outside their residences. IATF Resolution No. 70, which was released on October 16, now allows persons with ages from 15 to 65 years old to go outside [1]. Since the quarantine started in March, only persons ages 21 to 59 are allowed to go out for work and for necessities. The IATG added that local government units can impose higher age limits for minors in their area.

The Navotas City government will allow residents to visit cemeteries during All Saints’ Day and All Souls Day by schedule [2]. According to Mayor Toby Tiangco, residents will be required to contact the provided number by the LGU so they can get their schedule. During the visit, residents are only allowed to stay in the cemetery for two hours. Eating and drinking will also be prohibited since these can spread droplets that may cause coronavirus infection.

Meanwhile, Other cities in Metro Manila announced the temporary closure of public and private cemeteries during Undas week to prevent mass gatherings.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced that they will be deploying assistance desks in Metro Manila cemeteries during Undas in order to monitor the entrance and exit of visitors. PNP also said that visitors are required to follow strict health standards such as physical distancing and wearing of face shield and face masks.

LGUs are also tasked to discuss other rules that will be implemented, but existing prohibitions on bringing liquor, bladed weapons, and materials that encourage mass gatherings will be in effect. Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar adds that the age restrictions will be lifted. Visitors should also have no symptoms of COVID-19, while immunocompromised individuals are not allowed to enter cemeteries [3].

Hotels that are operating as temporary quarantine facilities are not allowed to accept staycations, according to Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. DOTr allowed staycations in order to boost the tourism sector, which has been heavily hit by the pandemic. The tourism department granted Certificates of Authority to Operate for Staycation (CAOS) to several hotels in Metro Manila, including Makati Shangri-La, Shangri-La at the Fort, EDSA Shangri-La, Okada Manila, Nüwa Hotel, Nobu Hotel, Solaire Resort, Hyatt Regency, and Joy Nostalg and Suites [4].

In order to lessen the spread of COVID-19, Litex Market along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City now uses digital contactless payment. Out of 200 vendors in the market, 197 now use RCBC’s Diskartech app which uses QR codes to transfer money. Diskartech claims to promote financial inclusivity by not requiring maintaining balances. The app can also be used for money transfers, telemedicine, insurance, bills payment, and prepaid smartphone loading [5].

The IATF allowed malls and other shopping establishments to hold marketing events and sales during the pandemic in order to boost economic activity. However, sales and marketing events must comply with the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) guidelines regarding mall operations. Promotional events will be allowed in areas under GCQ and MGCQ. Exceptions will be areas considered as COVID-19 hotspots.

Go to Yoorekka for more COVID-19 quarantine updates in Metro Manila.