Hey, Poker playas!
Metro Manila will start implementing a new system in order to control the spread of the pandemic while allowing business to continue.
The Philippines has been hit hard due to the pandemic that it needs to implement a new system.
Will it work this time?
Here a quick guide.
When will it start?
The national government has “provisionally” approved the guidelines of a new granular lockdown and alert level system that will be piloted in Metro Manila, possibly from September 16 to 30.
While more details are being fine-tuned, Roque said Metro Manila will likely be placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) and a single common alert level starting September 16.
As it is only provisionally approved. it is still awaiting the final approval of the president of the Philippines.
How does it work?
In the new scheme, there will only be two quarantine classifications to be declared over a region – enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and a new version of GCQ.
Under this GCQ, there will be alert levels declared over each city or municipality – Alert Levels 1 to 4. These alert levels will determine which types of establishments can open and how much of their venue capacity will be allowed.
As it is only provisionally approved. it is still awaiting the final approval of the president of the Philippines.
Alert Levels?
It’s only on Alert Level 4 that high-risk establishments will be ordered totally closed. Under the lower levels, places like gyms, restaurants, meeting venues, and personal care services like spas and salons can remain open to a certain degree.
These alert levels will be decided by the Department of Health (DOH) every week for every city or town, in close coordination with Metro Manila mayors.
It will be the national task force, however, that will have the power to impose ECQ, which Roque said, could be called “Alert Level 5.”
A stricter Granular lockdown
A critical aspect of the scheme is the imposition of stricter 14-day granular or localized lockdowns by local government units.
A granular lockdown can cover very specific parts of a city or town – like a street, barangay, or floor of a condominium where high COVID-19 transmissions were detected. Duration will be standardized – always 14 days long.
In this type of lockdown, no one will be allowed to go in or out, except for the following:
- health and allied-health professionals – doctors, nurses, employees of laboratories, dialysis centers, and the like
- overseas Filipino workers returning from abroad who have completed their quarantine in an accredited facility
- people with a medical condition that needs urgent attention or in other emergencies
Because of these strict mobility restrictions, the local government and national government (Department of Social Welfare and Development) will provide meals for all persons under granular lockdown.
In a nutshell
On paper, a street or a floor can be lockdown by the government if there are too many infections. This time it would be a very strict implementation, People who use to go out to buy essentials goods will no longer be allowed instead DSWD will provide the essentials for 14 days.
However, this has yet to be finalized. so stay tuned for any changes.
Stay safe poker playas!
