UPDATE: Sa pinakabagong direktiba ng IATF ngayong ika-5 ng Disyembre, mula 18-65 anyos lamang ang mga pinapayagang lumabas ng bahay.

The Quezon City government has shortened its curfew period from 12 midnight to 3 a.m. starting Dec. 16, 2020 in time for the start of the traditional “Simbang Gabi”.

This was contained in the revised general community quarantine (GCQ) guidelines issued by Mayor Joy Belmonte, in accordance with the latest pronouncements of the Inter-Agency Task Force and the Metro Manila Council (MMC).

“Bahagi na ng pagdiriwang ng kapaskuhan at ng ating kultura ang Simbang Gabi kaya kahit may pandemya, nais nating panatihiling buhay ang diwa nito,” said Belmonte.

While she allowed “Simbang Gabi”, Belmonte reiterated that attendees should not exceed 30 percent of the venue’s capacity and basic health protocols must be followed, such as social distancing and wearing of face masks and face shields.

“Hindi natin dapat kalimutan na mayroon pa ring pandemya at kailangan tayong mag-ingat upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng virus,” she stressed.

The Mayor also banned the traditional caroling and encouraged families to limit Christmas and New Year celebrations to the immediate household.

“We also strongly discourage commingling of multiple households in activities such as large family reunions,” said Belmonte, adding that non-essential gatherings of more than 10 persons remain strictly prohibited.

Persons between 15 to 65 years old are allowed to leave home, provided that they have company ID, school ID or any government-issued ID. Persons younger or older than the permitted ages may leave home only for buying essentials.

Children below 15, meanwhile, will be allowed to go out only for essential needs such as medical or dental appointments. They must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.

Gatherings for essential work-related purposes such as business meetings, government services or humanitarian services and the like shall be allowed subject to health protocols.

Outdoor or indoor venues for special events, such as restaurants, hotel ballrooms or function rooms and mall atriums, may be used for work-related or commercial purposes, but subject to social distancing and strict compliance with minimum health standards.

For trade shows, bazaars and the like, or when otherwise applicable, organizers are required to obtain a special permit from the Business Permits and Licensing Department (BPLD).

“Whenever feasible, gatherings should use open- air venues or naturally ventilated indoor venues,” Belmonte stressed.

Also, organizers of work-related or commercial gatherings must keep a log of all attendees for contact tracing purposes, and should be ready to submit the log to the
barangay health officer or the City Epidemiology & Surveillance Unit (CESU) at any time on request.

The city government also encourages the use of a digital contact tracing method, such as SafePass for easier contact tracing.

As for fireworks display, the city government said it will only be allowed in designated locations such as the Quezon Memorial Circle and Eastwood and must be livestreamed online so anyone can enjoy without having to go out of their homes.