BE SAFE during the MECQ

We are nearing almost 3 months since the government has implemented the Enhanced Community Quarantine or ECQ.  Everyone had to stay home to avoid the spread of this highly infectious virus.  Most businesses had to stop operations, especially if they were not able to work from home.  Malls were closed to avoid people from gathering together.

Public transport was suspended and traveling was kept to a minimum.

Now, things are going to change, right?

Yes and no.

It’s true that the government rescinded the ECQ order recently in specific areas.  NCR, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Zambales, Angeles City, and Laguna are now under the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine or MECQ. All but except those areas mentioned are now under General Community Quarantine or GCQ.

Due to this, some malls have reopened, more restaurants began serving again, and some businesses are letting their employees report to work physically.  BUT… that doesn’t mean we all should go out and do whatever we would like to.  Remember, we are still under quarantine.

So, what does this mean?

MECQ is a transitional period between the ECQ going into the GCQ.  As confirmed and suspected cases are being treated, we have to be very careful.  Under MECQ, people might be able to go outside but there will still be strict implementations of social distancing, personal protection wear, hygiene practices, and health checks.

We can’t open up everything right away like it was before the pandemic because it might lead to a higher number of cases.  All the sacrifice and hard work of our doctors, nurses and frontliners over the last few months will be wasted. Even the time we spent not going out of our houses will be for naught.

HERE IS A SIMPLE RUNDOWN OF THE MECQ:

Movement and transportation will be limited and monitored.

Only workers of indispensable businesses and essential services can physically report to work, provided that they present their certificates of employment in check points.  Public transport is operational again but under limited capacity only, factoring in for social distancing.  And commercial flights are to be reopened when government finalizes the guidelines.

Some businesses and establishments will resume.

Initially, government will allow select manufacturing and processing plants to resume operation up to a maximum of 50 percent.  If businesses want to re-open, they need to submit their plan on how they will keep their employees and customers safe at work to the Inter-Agency Task Force or IATF on Infectious Diseases.

Select mall establishments and some restaurants have also resumed operations but entry is subject to strict guidelines, as well.

Physical classes will remain suspended.

Educational institutions, such as schools and universities, have moved their classes to June or as late as August.  The Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education are currently looking for ways to have learning resources available to all students in lieu of physical classroom sessions. Schools and universities must also be prepared to address the concerns of the students and ensure their safety.

Services in places of worship will be the subject of IATF guidelines.

Religious gatherings are now allowed BUT churches and other places of worship must follow health standards on social distancing, body temperature checks, as well as, proper hygiene.

MECQ may not be as ECQ, but it is not an excuse to be complacent.  We have a semblance of freedom that we weren’t afforded to in ECQ but please practice extreme caution and be very careful.  The virus is still very real—it’s still deadly and very much contagious.

So, as quarantine phases are reduced in various areas of the country, we can be hopeful that things will be better for of us in the near future.  However, for now, always remember to B.E. S.A.F.E.

Be responsible and stay at home. Go out only if necessary.

Eat healthy and keep yourself hydrated.

Social distancing is a must when you go out.

Avoid contamination.  Wear face masks, sanitize your belongings, and wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds.

Five people only when gathering.

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