NCR mayors to implement ECQ-like policy on unvaccinated

Mayors in Metro Manila have agreed to implement a stay-at-home policy for unvaccinated persons amid the continuous increase of COVID-19 infections in the capital region.

The mayors agreed that those who remain unvaccinated or have not completed their full dose should have limited movement. The order would be effective once the mayors sign the resolution.

Minors would not be allowed to go out of their house except for essential trips such as buying food, basic goods, services, and work.

According to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos, the unvaccinated will not enter malls, restaurants, and public transport for as long as the region remains under Alert Level 3.

Those who are not inoculated against COVID-19 will also be banned from hotels, country clubs, and indoor and al fresco dining.

Abalos added individuals must show their vaccination cards and identification cards upon entry into establishments.

“Para kang nag-ECQ only for the unvaccinated… Ito ay temporary lamang, ito ay habang nasa Alert Level 3 tayo para maproteksyunan din ang walang bakuna,” the MMDA chief said in a media briefing.

NCR mayors to implement ECQ-like policy on unvaccinated

(It’s like an enhanced community quarantine for the unvaccinated. It will be enforced while we are under Alert Level 3 to protect the unvaccinated.)

Unvaccinated employees will be mandated to undergo an RT-PCR test every two weeks at their own expense.

Even those eating in neighborhood eateries or carinderias need to present their vaccination cards and IDs.

Violators of such policy would pay a fine of P20,000-P50,000 and face one-month imprisonment. No curfew shall be imposed.

The Philippine Inter-Agency Task Force Against COVID-19 has placed Metro Manila under Alert Level 3 classification starting January 3 as new COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the country.