Pampanga Heightens Safety Measures With the Detection of Delta Variant

Last July 31, Pampanga recorded four cases of the Delta variant, three of which were returning overseas Filipino workers, and the other was reclassified to Manila.

The local government of Pampanga issued Executive Order No. 17, which focuses on the guidelines on safety measures Pampanga that residents should comply with. Effective August 2 to 15, the EO indicates that Pampanga will remain under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) with heightened restrictions. During quarantine, individuals aged between 18 to 60 are allowed to go outside their residences. All residents must also follow standard safety protocols like wearing a face mask and face shield in public spaces. Social distancing, proper cough etiquette, and regular handwashing are also reinforced.

Residents must also follow curfew hours from 10:00PM to 5:00AM—except workers. A written permit must be obtained from the local Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for social gatherings in resorts, function halls, and covered courts. However, a liquor ban will also be in effect, which means selling and public consumption of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited.

When it comes to burials, non-COVID deaths are allowed only for three days and two nights for the wake. Also, burial ceremonies are only allowed to have guests 50% of the venue capacity.

Other business establishments like restaurants can operate at 30% capacity for indoor facilities and 50% for al fresco setups. Hotels are also allowed to run, but guests must present a negative RT-PCR test taken 48 hours before the time of check-in as part of safety and health protocols.

Tourists from areas outside Pampanga can enter as long as they present a negative antigen or RT-PCR test taken 48 hours before arrival. Barangay checkpoints are also reactivated. Those who will be found guilty of tampering and falsifying IDs and documents will be prosecuted according to the Revised Penal Code and other laws that may apply; this also applies to disobedience to ordinances.

Public and private workplaces shall also follow guidelines. Face-to-face meetings are preferred in video conferences. Installation of barriers is also recommended to ensure physical distancing. Proper ventilation is also a must. Group meals are also prohibited from limiting interaction. Companies are encouraged to practice work-from-home, skeletal workforce, four-day workweek (except banks, hospitals, and emergency response agencies), flexible work hours, and alternative work arrangements.

Visit Yoorekka Consumer Magazine for more guidelines in Pampanga and Central Luzon and COVID-19 updates.