With ongoing manila travel ban and Curfew from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM and Minor already getting arrested past their curfew hours starting March 15th Manila is officially shut down no one in no one out! Police already arresting teens and minor past their curfew time and threatening everyone now that the curfew in manila should be respected as it will be enforced anyone resisting will be arrested stay home or go to jail!
Manila curfew and Travel ban gone too far
Manila travel ban and Curfew handicap the nation and bring it to it’s knees as malls and merchant shut down in a country where majority of people are barely surviving and feeding their kids now are forced to shut down cancel their income for 30 full days with a possible extenssion
President Duterte Gives the green light to the police to arrest anyone past 8:00 pm outside of their homes.
Following the alarming increase of COVID-19 cases in the country in the past consecutive days, President Rodrigo Duterte announced on Thursday a series of preventive measures to contain the dreaded virus.
The Philippines is now under Code Red Sub-Level 2 due to the ongoing threat of the COVID-19.
These include travel restrictions, suspensions, and the “community quarantine” in the entire NCR. At least 13 million individuals either work, live, or both, in different parts of NCR.
Such preventive measures will last for a month – from March 15 midnight to April 14. The said preventive measures will also cover the Holy Week period (April 5 to 11).
What is covered in the Manila travel ban and the curfew ?
In Thursday’s media conference, President Duterte announced domestic air, land, and sea travels in and out of Metro Manila from March 15 to April 14, 2020. International flights going to and from the country, except to countries with confirmed local transmissions, will still be permitted.
Initially, Thursday’s announcement caused confusion especially to those who commute and work in NCR daily. Understandably, a lot of them also expressed their concerns as to how they will get paid for work due to the said travel ban. It has also triggered thousands of people to flock at bus terminals to avoid being stuck in the Metro before March 15.
Meanwhile, some companies allowed their workers to work from home in the meantime. In one post, popular job portal site Jobstreet allowed their employees here in the Philippines to work from home.
Other companies complied with the government’s – and the public’s – plea to allow work at home. Some of these companies include Globe Telecom, PLDT, and Gokongwei-owned JG Summit.
However, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año clarified in a radio interview that those working in NCR but residing in nearby provinces (and vice versa) will still be allowed entry, provided that they should show their company ID as proof of employment.
Preventive measures will also be conducted on assigned checkpoints throughout NCR and nearby provinces.
Those who have to travel to the Metro from nearby provinces for checkups, surgery, or treatment should present a medical certificate in order to be allowed entry as well.
Manila 16 Cities Under Community quarantine or lockdown?
The “community quarantine” was the term used by President Duterte during Thursday’s press conference instead of “lockdown”. Apparently, the President chose the former so as not to stir panic among the public. However, the latter still caused confusion and disagreement and became a hot topic on social media.
At one point, he directly mentioned the word “lockdown”. President Duterte was quoted saying on national TV: “We do not want to use [lockdown]. But it is a lockdown”.
Nonetheless, President Duterte assured the public that putting the entire Metro Manila in “community quarantine” is “a matter of protecting and defending [the public] from COVID-19.” However, an effort to allay fears seems to not have helped and even caused confusion among the public.
Community quarantine, which the PH government insists is now happening, will still allow people to go outside for work and to access basic needs. Banks, pharmacies, groceries, medical facilities, food establishments with delivery options, and supermarkets will still be open.
Lockdown, on the other hand, means you cannot go out of the house entirely. Business establishments will be closed as well, and basic goods and necessities shall be paid for (ideally) by the government and delivered to your doorstep.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila mayors asked all malls in the Metro to close temporarily in lieu of the 30-day “quarantine period”. The said resolution will be “subject to day-to-day evaluation and other exemptions that their city or municipality may enact.”
Of class suspensions, social distancing, etc.
On Friday, March 13, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, through a signed memorandum, stated details regarding the following concerns related to the virus containment efforts.
Class suspensions and turning Manila into a Ghost town past 8:00 PM
Classes in Metro Manila and other nearby provinces were initially suspended until March 13 (March 14 in the City of Manila). However, the recent memorandum orders the extension of class suspension until April 14, 2020.
The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) should offer educational alternatives to ensure that the students can still be able to accomplish their respective school requirements.
Exams will be given on a “staggered basis”, according to DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones. Graduation and Moving Up ceremonies will either be moved on a later date or completely forego it, Briones adds.
Meanwhile, the LGUs should implement strict measures to ensure that children won’t be out and about malls and other public places while the class suspension is ongoing.
Manila travel ban and Curfew and new laws for Mass gatherings
Concerts, running events, sports events, and even Holy Masses are advised to postpone or cancel altogether for the meantime. Social distancing will be strictly implemented in public places. This means maintaining a distance of about one meter with each other, included in Manila travel ban and curfew
Manila travel Ban and Curfew affecting Logistics
Mass public transportations including LRT, MRT, PNR, and buses will continue operations. Delivery of goods in and out of the Metro will also continue. Social distancing will also be observed among commuters, though it can be quite challenging to follow especially if you are already inside the vehicle.
Manila Curfew hours
Aside from the temporary mall closures, Metro Manila mayors, through the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), also declared the implementation of curfew hours in the entire NCR. The said curfew will begin on March 15, Sunday, from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, in line with the “quarantine” period. This means late-night gimmicks and parties will be strictly prohibited during this time.
However, there will be exemptions in the curfew. For example, those who are on their way to work or about to go home from work after 8 PM will be exempted. So as to those who need to buy food or medicine and other emergencies. Otherwise, the authorities have the right to arrest those who defy the implemented curfew period.
Behind the scenes what’s not being reported in the Manila Curfew
The curfew started earlier this week and some teens and minor are already being arrested , As of today, Saturday, March 14, 2020, there are a total of 64 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines. Today also confirms a total of 8 deaths due to the virus, according to CNN Philippines.
It is understandable to feel doubt and fear over the uncertainty of the next days to come. But as the authorities would always remind us, do not panic. Follow the basics: washing hands, avoiding contact as much as possible, and be clean in general.
Panic buying won’t help, either. Buy only the essentials: food, water, hygiene products, alcohol (2 bottles per head), and cleaning products. Don’t be like one of the hoarders who take advantage of the situation to gain profit. Or those who stock food items without thinking of expiration dates.
We can only hope that no one buys from these hoarders and stress themselves of how they are going to dispose of their items later on.
At times like these, we need to be sensible human beings. Be compassionate with other people, especially our elderly folks, and give them the chance to protect themselves, too. Most of all, be a good citizen by following the authorities and not be a threat to society.
Might also be intrested to read: Stuck in Manila ?
Comments
Loading…