Some areas in Luzon return to the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) classification following the medical frontliners’ call for a time-out. This includes National Capital Region, Bulcacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna.
In compliance to the MECQ, certain rules and protocols have been reverted accordingly. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has released guidelines for areas that have been placed under MECQ.
Public transportation is not allowed, so buses, jeepneys, UV Express have suspended operations again. Taxis and TNVS, including ride-hailing services like Grab, have been cancelled as well.
Tricycles are also prohibited during MECQ. However, exceptions can be granted as long as it follows a set of guidelines authorized by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the respective local government unit (LGU).
Rail sectors including PNR, LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 continue suspension.
On the other hand, private cars are only allowed with a maximum number of 2 passengers per row. Company vehicles are welcome to transport accommodate up to 50% capacity.
Bicycles, motorcycles, or e-scooter by APORs remain allowed, provided that authorized persons outside of residence (APOR) with documents are permitted to go in and out of their city.
The constant spike in COVID-19 cases has urged the health workers to appeal for the reversion of the community quarantine status as they have been working nonstop since the pandemic entered the country. President Rodrigo Duterte acknowledged their recommendation on Sunday in a late night public address.
The MECQ shall take effect on midnight of August 4 until August 18.
