This Week in Metro Manila (August 28 to September 3, 2021)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced that the “tiny bubbles” policy that was first implemented during ECQ will remain in effect under MECQ in Metro Manila [1].

The “tiny bubbles” pertain to restrictions in travel and movements between cities in Metro Manila. Motorists would have to prove that they belong to authorized persons outside residence (APOR) at checkpoints. Curfew hours will also be from 8:00PM to 4:00AM.

Heads up, motorists: the LTFRB will not be accepting transactions in its Metro Manila offices during the MECQ lockdown status. The temporary suspension of operations is due to the movement restrictions under MECQ.

Aside from the quarantine, the Quezon City branch also had an outbreak of COVID-19, which infected 20 employees [2]. However, services that will remain under MECQ include correction of typos, issuance of provisional authority, franchise verifications and confirmation of units, and issues about the Information Systems Management and Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. Other services that will remain include the 24/7 assistance hotlines and online hearings.

In reports from various local government units in Metro Manila, about 43.17% of National Capital Region’s (NCR's) eligible population has been fully inoculated against COVID-19 as of August 25, 2021.

In a record, last August 22, over 4.2 million NCR residents have received their second dose of vaccine. The target is 9.8 million or 70% of Metro Manila's population [3]. Due to this, Metro Manila is now closer to achieving its goal of "population protection."

As for those who received their first dose, about 7.3 million or 75% of NCR residents got their shot. Because of this, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos is confident that the NCR can reach 50% of its eligible population by the end of the month.

Previously, Metro Manila aimed to conduct 250,000 jabs per day during the two-week ECQ. However, the record only reached a high single-day record of 214,000 jabs.

Philhealth offers health insurance benefit packages for COVID-19 patients with mild and moderate symptoms. Their benefit package also covers those who are isolating at home. The Department of Health (DOH) announced that this is part of the government's plan to decongest hospitals during the surge of COVID-19. PhilHealth has yet to officially announce the complete details, but the DOH mentioned that PhilHealth will provide healthcare kits to patients who are isolating [4].

The chapel inside the compound of the Quezon City General Hospital and Medical Center (QCGHMC) has been converted to an intensive care unit ward (ICU) because the surge in COVID-19 cases in the area increased the demand for medical care and beds [5].

The chapel provides additional 21 beds that will cater to severe COVID-19 cases. Alongside the chapel, the QCGHMC also converted its outpatient department into a quarantine facility for healthcare workers assigned in the COVID-19 ward.

As for non-COVID cases, the QCGHMC will still accept urgent cases. But for non-urgent cases, the teleconsult service is recommended.

August 31 is National Heroes Day in the Philippines. The day is a regular holiday in the country, which means work and school are suspended during the day.

Visit Yoorekka Consumer Magazine for more travel and COVID-19 updates and guidelines in Metro Manila!