The decision was prompted by the spike in COVID-19 cases, and the apparent failure of the initial general community quarantine to implement social distancing.
Palace officials later provided the guidelines on the implementation of the new and enhanced community quarantine.
Below is a summary of the salient provisions of President Rodrigo Duterte's latest directive:
- A curfew will be imposed from 8 pm to 5 am for non-essential personnel on the streets. Not included in this curfew are health care workers, peace and order officers, workers from the night shift of the processing zones with valid ID’s, and LGU officers.
- Malls are directed to close operations for the duration of the executive order.
- Establishments that provide essential services, such as public utility offices, banks, groceries, supermarkets, pharmacies, payment centers, and wet markets will remain open.
- Restaurants and food shops can only accept take-home and delivery services. Dining in is not allowed.
- Sidewalk vendors, "tiangges," and open dry good markets will be closed.
- Public playgrounds, basketball courts, beaches, and public parks will be closed.
- In local communities, public assemblies such as fiestas, karaokes, parades, and other related events are cancelled. Needless loitering in the streets at any time of the day will also not be allowed.
- Common religious congregations are strongly discouraged.
- Gaming parlors, computer gaming shops, wellness centers such as gyms and spas, and cockpits arenas will be closed.
- Students on OJT are no longer required to report.
He noted that "failure to abide by the foregoing guidelines and measures shall be subjected to appropriate action both criminal and administrative, in accordance with relevant laws and regulations."
He added that, "for this purpose, the Department of Justice is directed to initiate appropriate charges as may be warranted."
Stay at home and keep safe.