This Week in Metro Manila (May 22 to 28, 2021)

The Pasay City government modified the existing GCQ rules last May 15. Based on the ordinance, several rules were maintained, such as the curfew hours at 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM; the market schedule will also be the same for 201 barangays. In addition, mass gatherings still prohibit in outside residences, and face masks and face shields are still mandatory [1].

Essential gatherings will be allowed for government services, humanitarian services, and health services that appropriate government agencies have approved. These events require standard health protocols. In terms of religious gatherings, venues should only operate at 30% capacity. Meanwhile, malls will only be allowed at 50% capacity for non-leisure facilities. As for hotels, only those accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) permits to operate. Business establishments that are allowed under GCQ should also follow the minimum safety protocols.

Personal care services, outdoor games, and non-contact sports establishments are allowed to operate at 30% capacity. Restaurants, fast-food chains, and cafes with indoor dining services can operate at 20% capacity. Authorized liquor sellers can distribute alcoholic beverages from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, but public consumption of liquors is still prohibited. Villages should cooperate with the city government for road closures and control points.

Makati City resumed the number coding scheme last May 15. The system will still follow the standard set by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) with few exceptions [2].

Makati City’s coding scheme exempts vehicles with two or more passengers and the following vehicles:

• Firetrucks, ambulances, accredited tow trucks, motorcycles, military vehicles, and police patrols are on official functions.

• Official media vehicles with marking, government vehicles with government plates for official use, and diplomatic vehicles with diplomatic plates.

• Medical frontliners or practitioners use vehicles under emergency circumstances.

• Senior Citizen Blu Card holders drive vehicles.

Fort Santiago in Intramuros reopened to tourists last May 17 at only 30% capacity per the required protocols set by the IATF. Due to the protocols, Fort Santiago can only accommodate 200 visitors, and only 100 people can visit Baluarte de Santiago. Visitors should also be between 18 to 65 years old [3]. As for the entrance fee, cashless transactions are prefer, but people can still pay in cash. The entrance fee is PhP70 for adults and PhP50 for students, PWDs, and seniors.

The LGU reopened the two tourist spots to let tourists experience world-class attractions recognized by world tourism awards. Fort Santiago is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM; Baluarte de San Diego is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

SM Megamall secured a safety seal from the Mandaluyong LGU, making it the first in the area recognized by the COVID-19 task force. The safety seal only gives to establishments and buildings compliant with the government’s safety protocols and minimum health standards [4].

The Department of Health (DOH) clarified that individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are still required to wear a face mask. Last May 15, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that there’s not enough evidence to suggest that it would be safe for vaccinated individuals to remove their face masks [5].

As of writing, experts know that the vaccinated persons can still be infected and transmit COVID-19 to others. DOH also stated that the Philippines should not compare United States’ face mask mandates since the latter already inoculated many of its population.

DOH also reassures the public that AstraZeneca is safe for smokers and users of contraceptives. After a social media post circulated warning individuals against blood clotting allegedly caused by the vaccine, DOH Undersecretary Vergeire debunks the post by saying that no evidence links contraceptives and smokers to the vaccine [6].

Vergeire furthers that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Philippine Society of Hematology reported no predictors for blood clotting disorders due to the first dose of the vaccine. Due to this, adverse side effects are primarily due to an autoimmune mechanism. Blood clotting is also a normal side-effect of other medications like birth control pills; it is also a common occurrence for smokers.

DOH also noted that blood clotting has not happened in the Philippines compared to other countries so far.

Visit Yoorekka for more guidelines in Metro Manila and COVID-19 updates.