According to Malacañang’s announcement, starting Monday midnight, the ECQ will be in effect in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, and Rizal until April 4.
This means only authorized person is outside of residence (APOR) or needs to buy essential goods such as food or medicine is allowed to go out.
The curfew has also been extended from 6 pm to 5 pm.
According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, the government will be more proactive in identifying COVID-19 cases to cure and prevent the spread of the disease.
“Pagdating naman po sa detection, mage-establish po tayo ng mga Dharavi-like center at the community na maghahanap po ng mga suspect cases. Ite-trace sila, iko-contact trace at i-a-isolate,” said Roque.
“Magbabahay-bahay po tayo na maghahanap ng mga taong mayroon pong sintomas,” he added.
This is the government’s response amid the ever-increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country, accompanied by the overcrowding of hospitals that also face the challenge of shortage of health workers.
Under the ECQ, mass gatherings of more than 10 people are also prohibited.
No visitors inside the house and only family members can attend weddings, baptisms or funerals.
People will be allowed to come out for the exercise.
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Public transportation will continue but will depend on the guidelines to be issued by the Department of Transportation.
Malls are closed except for groceries and drugstores while dine-in in restaurants is prohibited and only take-out and delivery will be allowed.
The Palace also clarified that a travel pass is not required.
Roque, on the other hand, assured that the government will distribute aid to those who will be severely affected by the ECQ.
The government has also mandated continuous vaccination in priority groups, primarily frontliners, senior citizens, and those with comorbidities or those with 2 or more diseases.
The Healthcare Professionals Alliance Against COVID-19 supports ECQ.
But the group asked the government to expand the One Hospital Command Center, strengthen the COVID-19 referral network, and intensify contact tracing.