IATF limits movement of people in MGCQ areas

Not everyone will be allowed to leave their homes in areas under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has issued a new resolution limiting the movement of all persons to only accessing essential goods and services and for work in offices allowed to operate under MGCQ.

Persons below 21 years old, above 60 years, those with health risks, and pregnant women are required "to remain in their residences at all times."

Exception may be given to those going out for essential activities, according to Presidential spokesman Harry Roque.

Under the previous IATF guidelines, all persons are allowed to go outside their residences in places declared under the less stringent MGCQ.

"Tungkol sa galaw ng tao sa MGCQ kung saan nakasaad sa dating guidelines na pinapayagan ang lahat na lumabas sa kanilang bahay, nagkaroon ng pag-amenda dito. At ngayon sa resolution No. 43, mananatili

hindi po dapat lumabas ang mga bata, 21 years old and below at ating mga seniors 60 years old and above subject doon sa exceptions na kung kinakailangan for necessities para magtrabaho (There has been an amendment to the previous IATF resolution with regard to the movement of persons in areas under MGCQ. The IATF in resolution 43 provides that children, aged 21 and below, senior citizens 60-years-old and up are required to stay in their homes except for the exceptions mentioned),” Roque said in a press conference aired over PTV4 Thursday.

The latest restrictions under MGCQ came after country's coronavirus cases soared to 19,748, including 4,153 recoveries and 974 deaths as of June 3.

The government recently further relaxed the lockdown measures across the country, allowing more businesses and limited public transportation in a bid to jumpstart the economy.

After more than two months of strict lockdown, Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Central Visayas, Pangasinan, Zamboanga City and Davao City have shifted to general community quarantine (GCQ) from June 1 to June 15. The rest of the country has been placed under the more relaxed modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

Other IATF amendments Apart from the movement of people, the IATF likewise amended guidelines concerning mass gatherings,

hotel operations, outdoor sports and class opening in MGCQ areas.

In areas under MGCQ, mass gatherings for religious services and work conferences are now allowed provided participants shall be limited to 50 percent of the seating capacity.

Accredited hotel and other accommodation establishments located in areas under MGCQ may operate upon issuance of certificate of authority by the Department of Tourism.

“For this purpose, the DOT and DILG shall work with LGUs to ensure compliance of accommodation establishments,” the IATF resolution read.

The accommodation establishments include tourist inns, motels, pension houses, private homes used for homestay, ecolodges, serviced apartments, condominiums and bed and breakfast facilities. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)