Metro Manila Under Quarantine

President Duterte in a press conference on 12 March 2020 gave updates on precautionary measures the government is taking to prevent further spread of COVID-19 in the Philippines after raising the Covid-19 Alert to Code Red SubLevel 2.

Covid-19 or “coronavirus disease 2019” is caused by “SARSCoV 2” has first been detected at Wuhan, China. With the increasing number or infected individual in the Philippines, the Philippine government had raised the Covid-19 Alert Code to it’s highest level.

Below are the some of the important points pertaining to this alert & precautionary measures:

Flexible work arrangement encouraged in private sector. Manufacturing and retail businesses encouraged to stay open with social distancing and minimal work force.
Mass public transport (MRT/LRT) shall continue operation with social distancing.
Domestic air, sea and land transport suspended from March 15, 2020 (12 midnight) to April 14, 2020, subject to the review of inter-agency task force.
Stringent social distancing measures in NCR for 30 days.
Suspension of classes in all levels in Metro Manila until April 12, 2020.
Mass gatherings, either planned or spontaneous shall be prohibited during this period. If rules in social distancing is not followed, it can be punishable under the penal code and can be arrested by military and police.
Community quarantine is hereby imposed in the entire of Metro Manila.
In other areas, LGUs can impose localized quarantine.
Provincial quarantine if more than 2 positive COVID-19 cases.
Municipality or city wide quarantine advised if 2 positive COVID-19 cases or more.
Baranggay-wide quarantine is advised if there are 2 or more COVID-19 cases.
LGUs outside NCR advised to exercise sound discretion to suspend classes, but does not allow you to suspend classes for trivial reasons.
PNP and AFP shall be called upon for effective and orderly implementation of above measures. This is not martial law. Do not be afraid of the PNP and AFP. They are there to help you.
OFWs allowed to travel to Mainland China except to Hubei.
Entry travel restriction imposed to all countries with COVID-19 cases, exept for Filipinos and their families, permanent visa holders and diplomats.
COVID-19 tests are free.

It is best that we take the precautionary measures to prevent infection and spread of the disease.