This Week in Southern Luzon (August 14 to 20, 2021)

Both Tagaytay and Batangas local government units are enforcing safety protocols that aim to keep residents safe from COVID-19 amidst the surge in Delta variants. [1] In Tagaytay, the area is placed under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until August 15 due to its proximity to Metro Manila—which is currently under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Under Executive Order No. 380, the Tagaytay City government will strictly reinforce minimum public safety and health protocols at all times. In addition, public movements will only be limited to essential errands like buying groceries and other necessities from permitted establishments. An age limit is also in effect, which means persons below 18 and over 65 cannot go outside. Those with comorbidities and pregnant women are also not allowed to go outside their residences except for buying essential goods and working in permitted industries [2].

Establishments that are allowed to operate under ECQ will also run at full capacity in the city. Still, those not permitted under ECQ will only operate in Tagaytay City at 50% capacity. Work-from-home work setups are highly encouraged as well as other flexible work arrangements. Particular establishments are also not allowed to operate with the likes of entertainment venues (karaoke bars, clubs, cinemas, theaters, and concert halls); recreational centers (bowling alleys; amusement parks, arcades, internet cafes, and the likes); outdoor venues for contact sports, indoor fitness and wellness venues, and gambling establishments.

In addition, cultural and educational indoor attractions like exhibits, museums, and libraries are also not allowed. Medical clinics are also not allowed along with personal care services including salons, tattooing, and body piercings for aesthetic and holistic purposes. These services are also not allowed for home service.

As for food establishments, indoor dine-in is not allowed. Only accredited hotels are also entitled to accommodate guests and clients under public health emergencies. Public gatherings like weddings, burials, and baptisms can only allow up to 10 persons.

For Batangas, the heightened restriction will be in effect until August 31. Under Memorandum Circular No. 5, Batangas will be under GCQ until the end of the month [3].

Batangas is more relaxed than Tagaytay due to its GCQ status. Food establishments operate with indoor dining services at 20% of the seating capacity. For al fresco, capacity is up to 50% only.

Personal care services are also allowed to operate at only 30% capacity, and services allowed should only be applicable where patrons must be wearing face masks. Outdoor tourist spots are permitted at 30% capacity of the venue. Venues with safety seals will be allowed to operate with an additional 10% of their capacity if applicable. Religious gatherings can also only operate at 10%.

Staycations are allowed without age restrictions, but the Department of Tourism may impose protocols and rules. As for interzonal travel, point-to-point travel is permitted for areas under GCQ and MGCQ without age restrictions as long as travelers present a negative RT-PCR test before traveling.

However, meetings, exhibitions are still not allowed, along with indoor sports and tourist attractions. As for religious gatherings, only 10% of the venue capacity is allowed; it can be increased to 30% depending on the LGU. Burials for non-COVID deaths will be allowed for immediate family members.

The Batangas Provincial Health Office announced that over 500,000 Batangueños are vaccinated against COVID-19 as of August 7, 2021 [3]. Out of the 562,523, 171,196 are fully vaccinated, 391,327 received their first dose, and 66,282 received a single-dose vaccine, Jansenn.

The provincial health office promises to continue the vaccination in rural, government, and private hospitals. Batangeños are also encouraged to get vaccinated.

Visit Yoorekka Consumer Magazine for more travel and COVID-19 updates and guidelines in Batangas and Tagaytay!