Cover Photo: Unsplash

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has placed NCR, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal under General Community Quarantine from 22 March 2021 - 4 April 2021. Here's what you need to know

Dubbed as "NCR Plus" the localities of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, NCR, and Pateros have been placed under a general community quarantine (GCQ) bubble in the hopes of addressing the surging cases of COVID-19. The plan is set to run from 22 March 2021 to 4 April 2021 and includes the following guidelines: 

Read also: 7 Tips On Etiquette During The Covid-19 Era

Only essential travel is allowed in and out of NCR Plus 

Public transportation will remain operational for essential travel such as going to the grocery or to work. Those who are allowed to leave the NCR Plus bubble include essential workers with ID, health and emergency frontline services personnel, government officials and frontline personnel, authorised humanitarian assistance actors, persons travelling for medical or humanitarian reasons, persons going to the airport for travel abroad, anyone crossing zones for work or business and back home, all returning overseas Filipinos and workers. 

All mass gatherings are prohibited 

These include all religious gatherings except weddings, baptisms, and funerals. On these occasions, only 10 persons or less are allowed. Virtual meetings are encouraged. 

Essential and non-essential services or industries are subject to new protocol

Only 30 per cent to 50 per cent capacity is allowed. Minimum public health standards will be strictly implemented, especially at pantries and canteens. 

Only restaurants with alfresco dining are allowed to operate 

Restaurants without al fresco dining will now be limited to delivery and takeout. Those with the capacity may operate with dine-in but only with an additional protocol such as placing of acrylic (or similar) dividers and one-seat apart or diagonal seating configurement. Additionally, only two people are allowed to sit together at the same table. 

Certain businesses are not allowed to operate 

These include driving schools, traditional cinemas, arcades, libraries, museums, cultural centres, indoor tourist attractions, and cockfighting and cockpit operations. 

Curfews will continue

A unified curfew of 5:00AM - 10:00PM will be implemented for all citizens except for workers, cargo vehicles, and public transportation. 

Read also: How To Avoid Covid-19: Tips To Stay Healthy & Sanitised

Additional Restrictions

Those under the age of 18 and those over the age of 65 will not be allowed to leave their house. However, seniors over the age of 65 may step out for non-contact sports and outdoor exercises. 

Additionally, pregnant women and those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, and health risks will not be allowed to leave the house. 

Persons with disabilities (PWD) may leave their house for therapy, non-contact sports, and outdoor exercises. However, they must present a doctor's prescription or a PWD ID to do so. 

The government is also encouraging everyone to avoid gatherings at home and to wear a mask at home if living with the elderly. 

Topics