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Metro Manila and Laguna shift to the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) starting August 21 until 31
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Bataan is likewise downgraded to MECQ from August 23 to 31
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The latest classifications are without prejudice to the strict implementation of granular lockdowns
Metro Manila and Laguna will shift to the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from August 21 to 31.
Metro Manila was earlier placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the strictest form of lockdown, until August 20 following the rapid local transmission of the highly infectious COVID-19 Delta variant.
Bataan likewise has been downgraded to MECQ from ECQ starting August 23 to 31.
The latest classifications are without prejudice to the strict implementation of granular lockdowns, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.
In addition, local government units of Metro Manila, Laguna, and Bataan are directed to improve their vaccination rates, prevent-detect-isolate-treat-reintegrate strategies, and observance of and compliance with minimum public health standards.
During the period of MECQ, indoor and al-fresco dine-in services, and personal care services including beauty salons, beauty parlors, barbershops and nail spas will not be allowed. Religious gatherings will remain virtual.
Earlier, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases placed under MECQ from August 16 to 31 the following areas: Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Bulacan, Cavite, Lucena City, Rizal, Aklan, Iloilo Province, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu City.
Under general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions from August 16 to 31 are Ilocos Sur, Cagayan, Quezon, Batangas, Naga City, Antique, Bacolod City, Capiz, Negros Oriental, Cebu, Zamboanga del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao Occidental, Davao de Oro, and Butuan City.
On the other hand, Tarlac was placed under GCQ from modified GCQ (MGCQ) from August 13 until August 31.
Also under GCQ for the rest of the month are the following:
- Baguio City
- Santiago City
- Quirino
- Isabela
- Nueva Vizcaya
- Puerto Princesa
- Guimaras
- Negros Occidental
- Zamboanga Sibugay
- Zamboanga City
- Zamboanga del Norte
- Davao Oriental
- Davao del Sur
- General Santos City
- Sultan Kudarat
- Sarangani
- North Cotabato
- South Cotabato
- Agusan del Norte
- Agusan del Sur
- Surigao del Norte
- Surigao del Sur
- Dinagat Islands
- Cotabato City
All other areas of the country will remain under the least strict MGCQ for the rest of August.
In areas under ECQ, MECQ, GCQ, and MGCQ, logistics service providers are allowed to operate at 100% capacity, while cargo/delivery vehicles should still be allowed unhampered movement.
Within and across areas placed under any form of community quarantine, movement of all types of cargoes via land, air, and sea should remain unhampered. Likewise, workers in the logistics sector, such as those in cargo, trucking, courier delivery and port operations, should be allowed to transit within and across these areas.
