Tag: Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ)

COVID-19 Crisis: Stricter quarantine outside of NCR Plus ruled out

COVID-19 Crisis: Stricter quarantine outside of NCR Plus ruled out

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Are you feeling tired of the restrictions that come with the quarantine for the past month? Moving from GCQ (general community quarantine) to ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) and recently MECQ (modified enhanced community quarantine) made life in the so-called NCR Plus region (the National Capital Region plus the nearby provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal) a bit more complicated. Not only were people told to stay at home, there were several businesses that negatively got affected too.

As for those living outside the NCR Plus region, there has been fear brewing that they will find themselves living under a stricter quarantine soon. Those fears can be put to rest as Malacañang officially ruled out the possibility of a restrictive quarantine in communities and places outside of NCR Plus.

The brewing fear was the result of recent reports of the Department of Health (DOH) showing an increase of COVID-19 cases in five regions other than the National Capital Region and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the article published through Philippine News Agency (PNA).

In an online press briefing, Health Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said there was an upward trend of Covid-19 infections in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Cordillera Administrative Region.

While the government is monitoring the situation in areas outside NCR Plus, it does not see the need to impose stricter quarantine rules in the entire Luzon, Roque said.

“Sa ngayon po, binabantayan naman po natin ang datos at wala pa naman pong ganoong conclusion ang nakikita natin. Ang talagang paglobo po ng mga kaso ay nandito sa NCR Plus. At kaya nga po ang response natin dito muna sa NCR Plus (As of now, we are monitoring the data and we have not arrived at a conclusion [to implement stricter quarantine measures in Luzon]. Rise in Covid-19 cases is seen in NCR Plus. So our response is focused on NCR Plus),” Roque said.

Roque added that the Covid-19 surge in other areas is not that “bad” unlike in NCR Plus.

“As I said, binabantayan din natin ang kaso sa iba’t ibang lugar ng Pilipinas pero so far po (we are monitoring the cases in different parts of the Philippines but so far), nothing as bad as what we are seeing in the NCR Plus,” he said.

Two weeks after being under the most restrictive enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal are now under the less stringent modified ECQ (MECQ) until April 30.

Apart from NCR Plus, the City of Santiago in Isabela, Quirino province, and Abra are also under MECQ.

A more relaxed general community quarantine (GCQ) is imposed in Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Batangas, Tacloban City, Iligan City, Davao City, Lanao del Sur, and Quezon.

The rest of the country remains under modified GCQ.

So there you have it. The above news and details should remind you that it is essential to follow health protocols by means of sanitizing yourself frequently, wearing face masks and face shields, and practicing social distancing.

Please share this article to others so that they will know that no stricter quarantine is planned outside of NCR Plus.

Now if only more vaccines could be made available locally so that this China virus pandemic will stop…

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COVID-19 Crisis: DTI says restaurants in MECQ areas are allowed to have outdoor dining

COVID-19 Crisis: DTI says restaurants in MECQ areas are allowed to have outdoor dining

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In what is clearly a move with economic recovery in mind, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez declared that restaurants (located in places under MECQ or modified enhanced community quarantine status) with outdoor dining services and set-ups are allowed to resume but with certain limitations.

To make things clear, below is an excerpt from the Philippine News Agency (PNA) article which was published just yesterday. For greater emphasis, some parts are in bold.

In a text message to reporters Sunday night, Lopez said food establishments with alfresco dining services are only allowed up to 50 percent capacity, with diagonal seating arrangement and acrylic dividers on tables.

He added that indoor dine-in services are still not allowed in areas under MECQ, but food establishments can continue to operate with their take-out and delivery services.

From April 12 to 30, the National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal or the NCR Plus as well as Santiago City in Isabela, and the provinces of Quirino and Abra were also placed under MECQ.

Earlier, the DTI chief said that the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) might be sensitive in allowing indoor dine-in due to the highly contagious new variants of Covid-19.

“The IATF recommended to the President to shift to MECQ after two weeks of ECQ to restore more jobs and livelihood for the people,” Lopez said.

Clearly the local authorities are trying hard to balance themselves between economics and public health as new cases of COVID-19 (China Virus) continue to be counted in very high numbers on a daily basis in recent times. On April 2, the count of infections reached over 15,000.

Going back to the issue of allowing restaurants with outdoor dining (AKA alfresco) within the MECQ areas, it is good news that they are allowed to resume operations. It will still be a challenge for food establishments to attract enough paying customers and make their business’ financial ends meet.

On a personal experience, I love eating ramen and Tsukemen at Sigekiya Ramen in Alabang. I prefer that such meals would be cooked by the restaurant and be served to me at a table at their place. The alternative of taking the cooked ramen out and consume it at home is just not a convincing option for me because ramen is meant to be consumed quickly while it is hot. The alternative of taking home ingredients and noodles, and have them cooked at home does not appeal to me as I prefer Sigekiya’s cooks make the meal I paid for.

A delicious meal like this one is best to be eaten at the restaurant, even outdoors.

Also located in Alabang is the local branch of Akrotiri, a really fine restaurant that serves authentic Greek meals that my family and friends enjoyed. They also have meals that, in my opinion, are best consumed at their place and their Alabang branch (Commercenter to be precise) has space for outdoor dining. It was at Akrotiri Alabang where I treated 2019 SEA Games gold medalist Kim Mangrobang to a meal and organized an exclusive interview with her. They really have a fine-looking place. Visit their website at https://akrotiri.ph/

It is important to keep in mind that restaurants around the nation have struggled a lot since the pandemic started last year. These business establishments are also struggling with retaining their respective employees, notably their cooks, the baristas, waiters and waitresses. Remember that the meals and drinks you enjoy would not be the same when the people who prepared them get laid off.

With the DTI’s declaration of allowing food establishments with outdoor dining setups and services to resume, I encourage you my readers to consider supporting these businesses for your food and beverage needs. If you can’t have a meal with the family outdoors, perhaps you can push through with a business meeting with a corporate associate or reunite with your friend or relative with the outdoor setting of a restaurant while adhering to health protocols (wearing face masks, face shields, sanitizing yourselves, etc.). 

Now, let’s observe how the mayors, the barangay captains and other local authorities in MECQ areas will react to DTI’s declaration. You also might want to check with the local restaurants and coffee shops if they allow outdoor dining. Consider taking time out to call them or verify on their respective social media channels/accounts to see if outdoor dining is allowed.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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COVID-19 Crisis: National Capital Region (NCR) and 4 nearby provinces plus a few other places now under MECQ until April 30, 2021

COVID-19 Crisis: National Capital Region (NCR) and 4 nearby provinces plus a few other places now under MECQ until April 30, 2021

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After two whole weeks of being placed under the restrictive ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the National Capital Region (NCR) and the provinces Cavite, Bulacan, Rizal and Laguna (note: these form NCR Plus as called by the local authorities) are now under MECQ (modified enhanced community quarantine) until April 30, 2021. Far away from NCR Plus are the City of Santiago, the Province of Quezon and Abra in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) which also have been placed under MECQ status.

The shift to MECQ was approved by President Rodrigo Duterte in relation to the commitments made by more public and private hospitals to provide rooms and beds for patients suffering from COVID-19 (China Virus). The President urged PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corporation) to expedite the payment of claims of hospitals. For more details on this, read the Philippine News Agency’s (PNA) article.

MECQ is supposed to be the less restrictive form of quarantine. For one thing, the hours of curfew in Metro Manila has been adjusted to 8PM to 5AM (versus 6PM to 5AM under ECQ). To put things in perspective, here is an excerpt from the PNA’s article…

According to amended omnibus guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) as of April 3, 2021, strict home quarantine shall be observed in all households under MECQ. Movement of persons shall be limited to accessing essential goods and services, and for work in permitted offices or establishments or such activities allowed.

Persons below 18 years old, those who are over 65 years old, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other health risks, and pregnant women shall be required to remain at home at all times except for obtaining essential goods and services or for work.

Under the IATF-EID guidelines, the following establishments, persons, or activities shall not be permitted to operate, work, or be undertaken during MECQ:

— Entertainment venues with live performers such as karaoke bars, bars, clubs, concert halls, theaters, and cinemas;

— Recreational venues such as internet cafes, billiard halls, amusement arcades, bowling alleys, and similar venues;

— Amusement parks or theme parks, fairs/peryas, kid amusement industries such as playgrounds, playroom and kiddie rides;

— Outdoor sports courts or venues for contact sports, scrimmages, games, or activities;

— Indoor sports courts or venues, fitness studios, gyms, spas or other indoor leisure centers or facilities, and swimming pools;


— Casinos, horse racing, cockfighting and operation of cockpits, lottery and betting shops, and other gaming establishments except for the draws conducted by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office;

— Indoor visitor or tourist attractions, libraries, archives, museums, galleries, and cultural shows and exhibits;

— Outdoor tourist attractions;

— Venues for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions;

— Personal care services which include beauty salons, beauty parlors, medical esthetic clinics, cosmetic or derma clinics, make-up salons, nail spas, reflexology, aesthetics, wellness and holistic centers, and other similar establishments; acupuncture and electrocautery establishments, and massage therapy including sports therapy establishments. It also includes establishments providing tanning services, body piercings, tattooing and similar services. Home service for these activities is likewise not permitted; and

— Indoor dine-in services of food preparation establishments such as commissaries, restaurants, and eateries.

Now that the MECQ is in effect, we will find out soon enough how the many struggling businesses will perform, how many affected employees will be able to return to work, how vehicular traffic on the highways and major roads will turn out and how these changes will affect the daily count of new COVID-19 cases which has been averaging over 10,000 a day recently.

It has been over a year since the China Virus spread worldwide and negatively impacted the way people lived, brought down their earnings, made attending on-site worship harder (note: the authorities in California did Satan’s bidding and the United States Supreme Court struck down their abuse of power legally), and pushed varied authorities to adjust the way they manage their places and constituents. No matter how grim the situation is, I urge you my readers to never lose hope and always look up to Lord Jesus who is the true Savior for us all. I encourage you to grab a copy of the Holy Bible and read the full Chapter 91 of the Book of Psalms, believe in it and come to Lord Jesus.

God will make a way for those who are faithful to Him. You do not need religion. You do not need unbelief. You do not need to believe in this screwed-up world we live in. You do not need idols for they are unholy and idolatry itself is foolish. You need unwavering faith in Him for He is holy and only He deserves our worship, trust and honor.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City extends deadline of biz tax payment to Sept 18,2020 amid extension of CQ

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City extends deadline of biz tax payment to Sept 18,2020 amid extension of CQ

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City extends deadline of biz tax payment to Sept 18,2020 amid extension of CQ

In a bid to extend assistance to the private sector experiencing disruption of economic activities brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and community quarantine, the City Government of Muntinlupa extends the payment of business tax payments.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi approved City Ordinance No. 2020-115 extending the deadline of payment of the 3rd Quarter Business Tax payments from August 19, 2020 to September 18, 2020 without penalties, surcharge and interest.

However, all business taxes due for the said period shall be subject to the penalties and interest prescribed by Muntinlupa Revenue Code if not paid on or before September 18, 2020.

Fresnedi assured the members of the private sector that the City Government will continue to support local businesses in Muntinlupa during these trying times.

Recently, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Muntinlupa has recognized the City Government’s efforts in curbing COVID-19 in the city and its assistance to local businesses amid the pandemic.

During the local business chamber’s virtual general assembly last July, PCCI-Muntinlupa president Elvie Sanchez-Quiazon conferred the Sterling Growth Catalyst Award to Mayor Jaime Fresnedi in recognition of his leadership in addressing the health crisis while still boosting the sustainability of local economy.

Quiazon said the local chamber lauds Mayor Fresnedi’s “transformational and adaptable leadership, commitment and eminent public service to boost the development and sustainability of the Muntinlupa City in challenging times.”

The mayor extended his thanks to PCCI-Muntinlupa for their recognition of the City Government’s COVID-19 response efforts to minimize its health, economic, and social impacts in the city.

Fresnedi said the award also recognizes the hard work of Muntinlupa’s front-liners who are driven by a shared goal to eliminate COVID-19 in the city.

As of August 10, Muntinlupa City has 2,038 confirmed cases with 1,222 recoveries, 726 active cases, 90 reported deaths, 968 suspect cases, and 675 probable cases.

Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release.

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COVID-19 Crisis: 305 quarantine violators apprehended in Muntinlupa Oplan Galugad, 6 charged

COVID-19 Crisis: 305 quarantine violators apprehended in Muntinlupa Oplan Galugad, 6 charged

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COVID-19 Crisis: 305 quarantine violators apprehended in Muntinlupa Oplan Galugad, 6 charged

The City Government of Muntinlupa warns the public of the strict enforcement of community quarantine measures in the city and violators will be meted with fines and penalties.

Muntinlupa City Police Station has launched Oplan Galugad to apprehend residents violating city ordinances for the duration of community quarantine including curfew hours, mandatory wearing of face masks, quarantine pass system and liquor ban, among others.

As of August 10, MCPS recorded 305 apprehensions in which six (6) individuals were charged with cases for regular filling. Among recent violators were 60 minors who were given a stern warning for their offense. Minor violators or those below 18 in Muntinlupa will lose their city scholarship on their second offense.

Muntinlupa Public Information Officer Tez Navarro said members of Muntinlupa PNP, city security officers, and barangay police will continue to augment round-the-clock inspections to ensure that health protocols and quarantine guidelines in public places and business establishments are strictly followed.

Navarro added that the stringent measure aims to limit movements and interactions in public places which are hotspots for the transmission of COVID-19. She noted that the public can report cases of violation to PNP or barangays.

Recently, the City Government reverted curfew hours to 8:00 PM – 5:00 AM for the duration of the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) and approved a liquor ban that will be in effect for all types of community quarantine.

Curfew violators may face penalties of up to P1,000.00, while liquor ban violators will pay up to P2,000.00 penalty. Establishments who will be caught selling alcoholic beverages in the city will incur a P5,000.00 fine, suspension or revocation of business permits, and one-year imprisonment.

Further, the City Council has also passed an ordinance imposing tougher implementation of home quarantine pass system during ECQ and MECQ.

Qpass holders in the city are required to bring a government-issued ID for verification and can only purchase essential goods from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Establishments and Homeowners Associations are mandated to inspect quarantine passes from persons entering or exiting their premises. Violators of the Qpass system may face penalties of up to P1,000.00.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi asks for the cooperation of the public and says that the strict quarantine measure aims to slow down the transmission of COVID-19 in the city. He also urged residents to observe health protocols such as wearing face masks, physical distancing, and frequent hand washing.

As of August 9, Muntinlupa City has 1,984 confirmed cases with 1,169 recoveries, 726 active cases, 89 reported deaths, 1,061 suspect cases, and 763 probable cases.

Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa imposes liquor ban for all levels of community quarantine, stricter QPass system

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa imposes liquor ban for all levels of community quarantine, stricter QPass system

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa imposes liquor ban for all levels of community quarantine, stricter QPass system

In a bid to slow down the transmission of COVID-19 in the city, the City Government of Muntinlupa will be enforcing a liquor ban during all levels of community quarantine and stricter home quarantine pass system.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi approved City Ordinance 2020-111 ordering a city-wide liquor ban for the duration of all levels of community quarantine as determined by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

This initiative aims to prevent gathering opportunities of city residents and minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Under the local ordinance, sale, trade, delivery, and consumption of liquor and other alcoholic beverages are prohibited in Muntinlupa City with a penalty of P5,000.00, suspension or revocation of business permits, and one year imprisonment for violating establishments.

Individuals who will consume liquor during the ban will be meted with P500.00 for first offense, P1,000.00 for second offense, and P2,000.00 for third and subsequent offenses. While violators who are minors, charges shall be fined against their parents or guardians: stern warning for first offense, withdrawal of scholarship grants from the City Government or P500.00 (non-grantee) for second offense, and P1,000.00 for third and subsequent offenses.

Muntinupa City Council Majority Floor Leader Coun. Raul Corro said the liquor ban will only be lifted if the city is no longer under any community quarantine. He noted that the City Council decided to impose stricter regulation on alcoholic beverages because many residents still violate quarantine and health protocols despite the alarming increase of COVID-19 cases.

Corro added that the measure also responds to the call of the national government and medical frontliners for stricter home quarantine measures.

Members of PNP Muntinlupa, Public Order and Safety Office, City Security Office, Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau, Business Permits and Licensing Office, and Barangay Chairpersons shall take the lead in enforcing the liquor ban. Local homeowners’ associations, including security guards, will also be deputized to augment operations.

Further, the City Council has also passed ordinances imposing tougher implementation of home quarantine pass system and curfew hours during the Enhanced and Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine.

Qpass holders in the city are required to bring a government-issued ID for verification and can only purchase essential goods from 6:00AM to 12:00PM. Establishments and Homeowners Associations are mandated to inspect quarantine passes from persons entering or exiting their premises. Violators of the Qpass system may face penalties of up to P1,000.00.

Curfew hours in Muntinlupa during ECQ and MECQ have been reverted to 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Authorized Persons Outside their Residence (APOR) and other individuals determined by the Joint Task Force COVID Shield are exempted from the curfew.

Curfew violators may face penalties of up to P1,000.00 and withdrawal of scholarship grants from the City Government for minor violators.

As of August 6, Muntinlupa City has 1,849 confirmed cases with 1,035 recoveries, 736 active cases, 78 reported deaths, 971 suspect cases, and 726 probable cases.

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Key references: 2020-111 Liquor Ban     2020-112 Quarantine Pass

2020-113 Curfew Hours

Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa offers mental health e-consultation for COVID-19 patients, frontliners

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa offers mental health e-consultation for COVID-19 patients, frontliners

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa offers mental health e-consultation for COVID-19 patients, frontliners

Providing a holistic approach for the treatment of COVID-19 patients and in a bid to help local frontliners to de-stress from heavy workload, the City Government of Muntinlupa offers free psycho-social support and mental health services via online and limited face-to-face consultations.

The Muntinlupa Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) provides psychological first aid and psychiatric check-up, including psychotherapy,  through the Mental Health and Wellness “Alay Malasakit” Program for city residents who tested positive for COVID-19, suspect cases, frontliners, and the general public experiencing anxiety and stress during the pandemic.

In a Facebook post, MHPSS invited city residents who are experiencing fatigue, depression, fear of COVID-19, difficulty in sleeping due to anxiety brought about by stressful situations, or having suicidal thoughts to send them a message and avail of their free online mental health consultation.

Mental Health Psychosocial First Aids and online counselling are administered via Muntinlupa Mental Health Psychosocial Support Services Facebook page.

Psychiatric and Mental Health Crisis e-prescription for self-injurious/suicidal and acute amphetamine psychosis, among other related concerns are also available via MHPSS FB page or through Dr. Nicanor Echavez’ Messenger, Viber (0977 277 4402), or email (echaveznicanor@gmail.com) from Mondays to Fridays 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

While, limited face-to-face check-up for psychiatric consultation is offered at Poblacion Health Center every Wednesdays and Fridays from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

The MHPSS Team is composed of a psychiatrist, registered psychometrician, nurses, social workers, a SPED teacher, barangay health workers, and other staff members from the City Government of Muntinlupa.

As of August 5, MHPSS Team has free provided free mental health service and referrals to 900 clients. The project is facilitated by the City Health Office, Social Service Department, Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office, Schools Division Office – Muntinlupa, Office of Senior Citizens Affairs, and Muntinlupa City Technical Institute.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi said the City Government recognizes the need to support the people’s mental health as fear and anxiety grow from various factors including the virus’ threat to public health, the implementation of strict quarantine, and a wave of social media misinformation, among others.

“We are taking a holistic approach in the COVID-19 health emergency by also providing psychological support for our constituents. We made it accessible online so Muntinlupeños can consult with our medical personnel in the comfort of their homes during the quarantine period,” Fresnedi added.

The Muntinlupa Mental Health and Psychosocial Support program was established last 2016 to cater to persons in crisis such as fire victims and displaced families during calamities. Social workers has provided counselling in evacuation centers and self-care seminars for calamity victims.

As of August 4, Muntinlupa City has 1,686 confirmed cases with 893 recoveries, 716 active cases, 77 reported deaths, 767 suspect cases, and 789 probable cases.

Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, no distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

 

 

COVID-19 Crisis: Checkpoints installed in Muntinlupa City boundaries, City Government limits physical transactions

COVID-19 Crisis: Checkpoints installed in Muntinlupa City boundaries, City Government limits physical transactions

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COVID-19 Crisis: Checkpoints installed in Muntinlupa City boundaries, City Government limits physical transactions

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Mayor Jaime Fresnedi convenes the city’s Barangay Chairmen and members of Muntinlupa City Council on Tuesday to discuss MECQ guidelines and amendments with local ordinance to respond to the change of community quarantine status. Fresnedi orders local execs to implement stricter quarantine measures in the communities in a bid to curb COVID-19 in the city. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

The Muntinlupa City Police Station has installed checkpoints in city boundaries while the local government has limited its physical transactions as Metro Manila shifts back to Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine starting August 4.

Public Information Officer Tez Navarro said Muntinlupa Police has installed checkpoints in city boundaries while quarantine passes will be required again to limit movement.

Navarro noted that old quarantine passes are still valid and can be used by residents in checkpoints while the City Council is yet to convene for the final quarantine guidelines. Those who will travel to work can still use their company identification cards or certificate of employment in checkpoints.

Checkpoints in Muntinlupa City are situated in Tunasan, Muntinlupa – San Pedro, Laguna, Susana Heights SLEX Toll, and Filinvest Alabang. The local police shall also put checkpoints in barangay boundaries to restrict non-essential inter-zonal travel.

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At the Muntinlupa-San Pedro Laguna check point. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

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At Susana Heights SLEX toll area. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

The Muntinlupa City Council will hold a Special Session on Wednesday to discuss amendments on the implementation of curfew hours, reinstatement of liquor ban, issuance of quarantine passes, and mandatory use of face mask.

Some offices in the City Government have also imposed limited physical operations starting August 4. The Muntinlupa Public Employment Service Office temporarily suspended processing of applications from walk-in applicants. PESO announced that it will only cater online requests for referral to companies and will continue to post job vacancies in their Facebook Page.

Muntinlupa Scholarship Program has also suspended its Drop Box applications following the placement of Metro Manila back to MECQ. MSP will only accept email applications during the period.

Taxpayers in the city can also process their transaction online. Muntinlupa Business Permits and Licensing Office and Muntinlupa City Assessor’s Office have announced electronic transactions for the processing of request for quarterly local business tax assessment, real property tax order of payment, copy of Assessor’s certification, among others, to limit physical transactions.

Meanwhile, the City Government will continue to enforce market schedule regulating the operations of Alabang Public Market. The implementation of the market schedule aims to limit interactions in public places which are hot spots for the transmission of COVID-19.

District 1 and non-Muntinlupa residents are scheduled on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. While District 2 residents can buy groceries in Alabang Public Market on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Monday is designated for disinfection and sanitation of stalls and other areas of the market.

Further, tricycles will be allowed to operate in Muntinlupa despite restriction of public transportation during MECQ.

Tricycle drivers can only transport frontliners, workers of industries allowed to operate during MECQ, and heads of households buying essential goods. Only one passenger per tricycle will be allowed with an exemption for emergency cases with a fare of P25.00 per trip.

Minimum health protocols will still be followed including installation of transparent plastic sheet barriers, disinfection of tricycles at least twice a day, provision of alcohol-based sanitizers, and implementation of “no face mask, no ride” policy.

The odd-even scheme for tricycles will continue to be implemented where Tricycle Regulatory Unit (TRU) numbers ending in odd numbers will be allowed to operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while those with even number can operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

To augment transportation, the City Government will continue to offer “libreng sakay” to commuters.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi continues to urge city residents to stay at home and follow health protocols such as frequent hand-washing, physical distancing, wearing of face masks, proper cough etiquette, and other precautionary measures.

As of August 3, Muntinlupa City has 1,634 confirmed cases with 803 recoveries, 756 active cases, 75 reported deaths, 705 suspect cases, and 802 probable cases.

Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release.

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