Cargo trucks servicing areas outside Metro Manila must secure a permit from the Philippine Ports Authority if they want to gain entry into Manila ports during the metro-wide community quarantine.
This is one of the requirements rolled out by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to slow down the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The cargo entry/withdrawal permit (CEWP) will be presented at checkpoints upon entry into or exit out of Metro Manila.
The requirement covers Manila South Harbor, Manila International Container Terminal, Manila North Harbor (North Port), and Harbour Center, according to DOTr guidelines issued on March 14.
There are no details yet on how to secure the CEWP.
The DOTR guidelines are in keeping with the month-long Metro Manila quarantine covering March 15 to April 14. They comply with Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases’ (IATF) Resolution No. 11 declaring the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in the Philippines at Code Red Sub-Level 2 and placing Metro Manila under community quarantine. The resolution also suspended land and domestic air and sea travel while the quarantine is in place.
Cargoes are exempt from the travel restriction so as not to hamper the supply of goods.
READ: Cargoes exempt from Metro Manila travel ban
RELATED: Sea transport suspension only for passengers, not cargoes: MARINA
DOTr undersecretary and officer-in-charge Atty. Artemio Tuazon, Jr., in a press briefing on March 14, said the guidelines are subject to daily assessment and may be revised when necessary.
He added DOTr-attached agencies may implement additional guidelines.
Ships normally plying routes within the National Capital Region (NCR) will be allowed to call at ports outside the metro upon application for a Special Permit with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
Passenger traffic in all ports in and out of NCR will be suspended but ferry services within Metro Manila will continue to operate but at 50% reduced capacity as prescribed by MARINA.
All passenger terminals and vessels should strictly observe hygienic measures as prescribed by the Department of Health.
The crew of cargo vessels originating from COVID-19 affected countries will not be allowed to disembark and will be subject to stringent quarantine procedures.
Waste reception services at ports will be suspended. Both foreign and domestic ships are obliged to unload their wastes at the next port of call outside NCR.
For the aviation sector, these are the guidelines:
- All domestic flights will cease operations during the community quarantine period, except cargo flights, air ambulance and medical supplies; government/military flights; weather mitigation flights; and maintenance and utility flights.
- International flights will continue to operate.
- General aviation flights will not be allowed entry in NCR and diverted to airports in Sangley, Cavite and Clark, Pampanga.
- DOTr will allow special airport-to-airport trips arranged by airlines, in coordination with airport authorities.
- The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) will urge local airlines to operate “sweeper” flight/s out of Manila and into other airports.
- Passengers may opt to terminate their flight in Manila and arrange their own transport within the metro.
- At least one-meter radius from other passengers will be implemented and areas where queuing takes place will have a signage for the public to observe proper social distancing.
- The issuance of access pass for visitors will be suspended and only passengers and essential airport personnel are allowed to enter and exit airport terminals.
The World Health Organization has categorized the COVID-19 outbreak as pandemic, affecting 132,758 globally with 4,955 deaths as of March 13. In the Philippines, there have been 98 confirmed cases in different provinces with eight deaths as of March 14.
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