MECQ Guidelines in Benguet [UPDATED]

IATF has announced on Monday that the province of Benguet will be placed under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) status from May 10, 2021, to May 23, 2021, as per resolution 114-C.

Related: Benguet Placed Under MECQ From May 10-23

As per IATF Omnibus Guidelines on the implementation of the community quarantine here in the country, here are the guidelines, with amendments as of May 6, 2021, which will be implemented for the duration of the MECQ in Benguet. Any revisions or release of localized guidelines will be updated in this post.

 

Update as of May 11, 2021: Localized Guidelines

Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas has issued Executive Order No. 2021-009 stating the additional localized guidelines while Benguet is under MECQ. Here are important points to remember in the EO:

Religious Gatherings

From the original ten percent, religious gatherings shall be allowed up to thirty percent (30%) of the venue capacity. All attendees shall comply with the minimum public health standards while sitting on church pews, during holy communion, and other activities.

Gatherings for necrological services, wakes, funerals

As per EO No. 2021-009, gatherings for necrological services, wakes, inurnment, funerals for those who died of causes other than COVID-19 shall be allowed, provided that it shall be coordinated with the LGU concerned and shall be limited to four (4) days including burial day. Day 1 shall be limited to immediate family members only.

Curfew

Curfew hours shall be declared by the LGU concerned based on the COVID-19 status in the area which shall be through the issuance of a municipal ordinance for strict implementation.

Resorts

ALL resorts shall be closed to the public to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus especially among children and elderly.

Community pantries

Community pantries shall remain open to the public subject to compliance with basic health protocols. Imposition of appropriate procedures to be followed in obtaining food supplies from the pantry should be strictly observed.

Violations

All thirteen (13) municipalities of Benguet are required to pass ordinances with penal provisions for violators. Punishment for violators will depend on what is specified in the ordinance ranging from community service, fines, and others.

Movement of cargo/delivery vehicles

The movement of cargo/delivery vehicles, as well as vehicles used by public utility companies, shall be unhampered.

All other guidelines will be based on the Omnibus guidelines released by the national government, which can be read below.

MECQ Guidelines

Here are the Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) in the Philippines with Amendments as of May 6, 2021:

Movement of Persons

• Minimum public health standards shall be complied with at all times for the duration of the MECQ.
• The movement of all persons shall be limited to accessing goods and services from permitted establishments, for work in such establishments, or for such other activities allowed in this section.
• The following shall remain in their residences at all times:
  • Persons below 18 years old and who are 65 years old and above
  • This with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other health risks,
  • pregnant women,
  • those who reside with the aforementioned
    EXCEPT for obtaining essential goods and services, or for work in industries and offices or such other activities permitted in this section.

NOTE: Local government units may relax the minimum age range down to fifteen (15) years old depending on the COVID-19 situation in their respective jurisdictions.

Law enforcement agencies shall recognize any of the following IDs:

1. IATF IDs issued by the regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over permitted establishments or persons;
2. Valid IDs or other pertinent documentation issued by accrediting organizations or establishments allowed under ECQ
3. if required by the LGU, local IDS for availing essential goods and services.

No other IDs or passes specifically exempting persons from community quarantine shall be required of workers of permitted establishments and/or offices without prejudice to requiring the presentation of other documents establishing the nature of their work.

Shuttle services of permitted establishments shall not be subject to an ID system but shall maintain compliance with minimum public health standards

Industries NOT Allowed to Operate

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
    • 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 sport, 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 draws conducted by the PCSO
  • 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 aesthetic clinics
  • cosmetic or derma clinics
  • make-up salons
  • nail spas
  • reflexology, aesthetics, wellness, and holistic centers and other similar establishments
  • acupuncture and electrocautery establishments
  • massage therapy including sports therapy establishments
  • establishments providing tanning services, body piercings, tattooing, and similar services
  • NOTE: Home services for these activities are likewise not permitted
• Indoor dine-in services of food preparation establishments such as commissaries, restaurants, and eateries

Hotels and Accommodation

Only hotels or accommodation establishments with valid DOT Accreditation shall be allowed to accommodate guests and clients for legitimate purposes under a state of a public health emergency. Operations of such hotels and accommodation establishments, as well as ancillary establishments within their premises such as restaurants, cafes, gyms, spas, function halls, and the like, shall be subject to guidelines issued by the DOT and the IATF.

Gatherings

Gatherings outside of residences shall be PROHIBITED. Gatherings at residences with any person outside of one’s immediate household shall likewise be prohibited.

However, gatherings that are essential for the provision of health services, government services, or humanitarian activities authorized by the appropriate government agency or instrumentality shall be allowed

Face-to-face or in-person classes

Face-to-face or in-person classes shall be suspended. The education sector shall operate in accordance with the guidelines of the CHED for higher education, TESDA for technical vocational education and training, and DepEd for basic education.

Public Transportation

Public transportation shall be allowed to operate at such capacity and protocols in accordance with guidelines issued by the DOTr. The use of active transportation such as biking is encouraged.

Outdoor exercises

Individual outdoor exercises such as outdoor walks, jogging, running, or biking are allowed within the general area of their residence, e.g. within the barangay, purok, subdivision, and/or village. Provided, that the minimum public health standards and precautions such as the wearing of face masks, and the maintenance of social distancing protocols are observed.

SOURCE: Official Gazette, PIO-Benguet