Updated: Metro Manila enhanced community quarantine – Transport and motoring changes

Following the string of press conferences, the government has implemented an enhanced quarantine throughout Metro Manila, many different rules and regulations have been stated and are set to be implemented from March 15, 2020, to April 14, 2020—subject to daily review by the government. For those of us inside the city where there are quite a few people roaming around. The intent of these implementations is clear, to limit social contact between individuals to minimize the spread of COVID-19. 

UPDATE: Following the resurgence of cases in the country, the Philippine government implemented ECQ once again from August 6 to August 20, 2021. 

Here's a quick guide on several of the aspects pertaining to mobility in the city. 

UPDATE: Entry and exit from Metro Manila is now heavily regulated and limited to only key individuals. 

The number coding scheme has been lifted for the community quarantine. It was stated that the lift is indefinite. All registered cars can go on the road regardless of the day of the week. However, districts like Makati City have implemented the coding scheme in the interest of lightening the traffic flowing through the business district. 

Mass gatherings such as movie screenings, concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment activities shall be prohibited. Assemblies that are non-essential and not work-related shall also be prohibited. Religious activities and essential work-related meetings can continue and attendees are to practice social distancing. A radius of at least 1 meter must be kept between individuals and must be maintained to mitigate risk. 

Many events that were to be conducted by the brands have since been canceled following the outbreak. The 2020 Manila International Auto Show is a large gathering of brands and attendees, as are car launches. Several brands have resorted to digitally unveiling their newest products to mitigate risk. 

Scattered around Metro Manila these checkpoints will screen motorists from entering and exiting the city. These areas will be manned by personnel who will screen individuals before passing through several main roads going around and leading to and from the Metro. Certain measures will be taken and screening will take place. The personnel manning these stations will check vehicle occupancy and vehicle operator health. 

100% on-site capacity:

• Public and private hospitals 
• Emergency services and health facilities  
• Medical supply industry 
• Agricultural 
• Forestry
• Fisheries
• Logistics service providers 
• Construction 
• Industries catering to general goods and sanitation products 
• Retail trade and services 
• Take out and food delivery 
• Financial services 
• Public transportation 

50% on-site capacity 

• Media organizations 

Skeletal 

• Medical clinics catering to the treatment of illness or injury 
• Veterinary services 
• Banks, money transfer services, pawnshops, microfinance, credit cooperatives 
• Janitorial services 
• Energy 
• Telecommunications 
• Airlines 
• Funeral services 
• Security 
• Printing 
• Repair and maintenance of machinery 
• Leasing 
• Employment activities 
• Education sector 
• Lawyers providing on-site representation 
• Online retailers 
• Payroll and accounting managers and employees. 

0% on-site capacity 

• Restaurants 
• Non-essential manufacturing 
• Non-essential retail trade and services 
• Office administrative activities 
• Money exchange 
• Insurance 
• Lending 
• Pension funding 
• Business consultancy 
• Architecture and engineering 
• Scientific and research development 
• Computer programing 
• Publishing and printing 
• Film, music, and TV production 
• Motor vehicle trade 
• Travel agencies 
• Pet grooming services 
• Driving schools 
• Testing, tutorial, and review centers 
• Indoor and outdoor sports, including contact and non-contact sports
• Tourist attractions 
• Meetings, conventions, conferences, exhibitions 
• Social events 
• Personal care services 
• Cinemas 
• Amusement parks 
• Casinos, and other gaming establishments 
• Horse racing 
• Entertainment and recreational venues 
• Cockfighting 

Source: Rappler 

The strict home quarantine will be observed in all households, which means everyone who is not part of the skeletal workforce must stay at home. However, 1 individual may leave the house in order to access and procure basic necessities such as food, and provisions that are essential to health. These persons will be classified as Authorized Persons Outside of Residence or APORs. 

UPDATE: Public transportation in Metro Manila is allowed during ECQ provided that health and safety protocols are followed, which means the wearing of face shields and face masks in public spaces. Social distancing guidelines and sanitary guidelines must also be followed. 

Only Allowed Persons Outside of Residence (APORs) will be permitted to use public transportation as mandated by the IATF. 

Public utility vehicles (PUVs) will be allowed to operate at 50% capacity and adopt a one-seat-apart setup. Standing passengers are not allowed, and only one passenger will be allowed in the front row next to the driver. 

Philippine railways are disinfected after every loop. This includes the LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 systems. 

Motorcycle Taxi services and Transport Network Vehicle Service operations are allowed, but still must follow health and safety protocols. 

Tricycles must not exceed one passenger in the side car. 

Domestic flights and sea travel in the NCR will also continue during ECQ, but are subject to quarantine restrictions of the flyer's destination. 

There will be a curfew enacted from 8:00 pm to 4:00 am the next day. This will be for individuals leaving to get supplies. Subsequently, health workers, law enforcement and all other aforementioned essential personnel will be allowed out later than between curfew hours. 

This article will be continually updated as more developments come.