Metro Manila mayors agreed to implement a unified curfew in Metro Manila, which is 8 pm from 5 am after the National Capital Region (NCR) reverted to general community quarantine, Malacañang announced Wednesday.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in an interview with CNN Philippines, the new curfew schedule is aligned with the stricter general community quarantine (GCQ) pushed by the Metro Manila mayors.
“I understand that the mayors voted, and there was a majority that the curfew hours should be 8 (p.m.) to 5 (a.m.),” Roque said.
Metro Manila shifted to GCQ on Wednesday after two weeks of modified enhanced community quarantine (MGCQ) or stricter community quarantine.
The government also reimposed the 10-person limit on religious gatherings and prohibit the operations of review and tutorial centers in GCQ areas.
Previously, the government allowed religious gatherings up to 10% of a venue’s capacity in GCQ areas.
Roque said the National Task Force Against COVID-19 approved the restrictions on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, restaurants and salons could resume operations, but the local government units (LGUs) would determine the capacity, Roque added. He also said gyms and internet cafes would remain closed in GCQ areas.
LGUs may also require quarantine passes, especially in areas under localized lockdown.
Back-riding on motorcycles will be allowed as long as the passenger is an authorized person outside of residence (APOR).
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Motorcycle barriers are no longer required
Joint Task Force COVID Shield commander Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar said Tuesday riders living in the same house no longer need to use motorcycle barriers in areas under GCQ starting Wednesday.
However, those who are not living together must still use the motorcycle barrier. Also, both riders should wear full-face helmets and face masks.
The Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) earlier warned that the barriers “may contribute negatively to safety, health, economy, and environment.”
PSME explained in a position paper that the barrier would affect the aerodynamics of a motorcycle in motion.
“The barrier will contribute to the change of the designed allowable aerodynamic forces (drag and lift), which will compromise the stability of the motorcycle. This will place the safety of the riders at risk,” it said.