This Week in Metro Manila (July 31 to August 6, 2021)

Delta variant is causing lockdown adjustments in Metro Manila this week.

By: Denisse Shawntel Tan | July 31, 2021

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The looming threat of the Delta variant caused adjustments to Metro Manila policies in terms of lockdown measures. Starting with the quarantine, the government enforced longer curfew hours in Metro Manila. A travel ban to neighboring countries was also implemented to lessen the spread of the more contagious strain of the coronavirus. Vaccination is also being sped up in Manila as the University of Santo Tomas opens as a vaccination site.

Lockdown News

Metro Manila will be placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine.

Starting this August 6, the rest of the National Capital Region will be under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) by the national Inter-Agency Task Force until August 20. Before this, Metro Manila will be under general community quarantine with heightened restrictions from July 31 to August 5.

ECQ is the strictest quarantine level. Under this classification, movements of the public will be more limited. Only establishments that are under essential sectors will be allowed to operate. Other industries will be allowed to work with the skeletal workforce. Public transportation will also be suspended. Indoor dine-in and al fresco dining are not allowed. However, take-out and delivery are permitted.

ECQ was reinforced to limit the spread of the contagious Delta variant of COVID-19.

New Delta variant cases resulted in longer curfew hours in Metro Manila.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) enforces longer curfew hours in Metro Manila from 10:00PM to 4:00AM daily, starting last July 25. According to the MMDA, the new curfew hours were implemented to contain the spread of the Delta variant [1].

With the curfew in place, MMDA mentioned that it should limit the movement of the public, hence limiting transmission of the virus. Because of the heightened restrictions, several establishments like gyms, indoor sports and conference venues, and indoor attractions are not allowed to operate. The age restriction is also reinforced; children aged five to 17 are not allowed to leave their residences.

Transportation News

New bike lanes inaugurated

The Metro Manila Bike Lane Network was recently inaugurated at Roxas Boulevard by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) [2] last July 27, 2021, truly a piece of noteworthy transportation news this week!

The new bike line is part of the Bayanihan Bike Lane Networks projects over 497 kilometers. It features flexible rubber bollards, solar-powered road studs, bike racks, signages and symbols, and thermoplastic-painted pavement markings.

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade furthered that the new bike lanes hope to provide the public with alternative, faster, and efficient transportation during the pandemic. Aside from cycling, infrastructures for walking were also opened and constructed in Metro Manila and other cities in the Philippines.

Travel Updates

The Philippines issued a travel ban to neighboring SEA countries due to the Delta spread.

Starting last July 25 until the end of July, the Philippines imposes travel bans to neighboring Southeast Asian countries, Malaysia and Thailand, to avoid further transmission of the contagious Delta variant [3].

In addition to these countries, the Philippines previously banned travelers coming from Indonesia and India as well.

Health News

UST opens as a vaccination site for Manila and non-Manila residents

The University of Santo Tomas opened its practice gym as a vaccination site to Manila residents and non-Manila residents starting July 26. The vaccine site will be opened from 6:00AM to 7:00PM and cater to those under the A1 and A5 category. Walk-ins are not allowed, so only those who have pre-registered via http://manilacovid19vaccine.com will be entertained [4].

Visit Yoorekka Consumer Magazine for more COVID-19 updates and guidelines in Metro Manila!

All details and information in this article are true and accurate as of the publication date. However, while we are making our utmost effort to keep our content as up-to-date as possible, the condition surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be unpredictable, and the situation develops rapidly. Hence, some information and recommendations may have changed since this article was published. For the latest advice, visit DOH and your LGU's official websites.

Sources:
[1] https://bit.ly/3y9jqay
[2] https://bit.ly/375HTSp
[3] https://reut.rs/3zOYLsH
[4] https://bit.ly/378kIXv

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About Denisse Shawntel Tan

Denisse Tan is currently a work in progress: she’s an aspiring writer, artist, and fashion designer! She’s trying to figure out how to manage her time in achieving all of her goals while also taking in life as humanly possible. Aside from art, she’s a big fan of the color pink, disco music, Bratz dolls, and Genshin Impact. By age 35, she plans to travel to New York City 🗽.

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