The Quezon City government has allowed the operation of public transportation, including tricycles, but with limited capacity during the course of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) starting today until April 4.
Under the ECQ guidelines issued by Mayor Joy Belmonte, public transportation may operate for the duration of the ECQ provided that passengers must be one seat apart.
Tricycles may accommodate only one passenger, and back ride shall not be allowed so as to keep social distancing and prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“As an exception, e-trikes and similar vehicles with larger capacity shall follow the one seat-apart rule,” Belmonte stressed.
For taxis and Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS), Belmonte said only two passengers are allowed and they must both be in the back seat.
Belmonte reminded passengers to wear both face masks and face shields while the driver can choose not to wear a face shield for safety purposes as face shields may impede their vision.
As mandated by the national government, the city government will implement Public Safety Hours from 6 pm to 5 am, except for Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APOR), persons dealing with emergencies; or traveling for purposes of air/sea travel as shown by pre-booked tickets.
Essential activities may operate on a 24-hour basis, including public transportation, couriers, cargo vehicles, market delivery/bagsakan, food take-out and delivery, pharmacies, hospitals, convenience stores, and delivery of essential goods.
However, sari-sari stores, which are typically located in densely populated residential areas, should close by 6 pm while neighborhood carinderias, eateries and bakeries may continue to provide take out and food delivery services even during curfew.
Hawkers and ambulant vendors registered with the barangay or Market Development and Administration Department may sell food and non-alcoholic beverages even after public safety hours, provided that they strictly follow health and safety protocols and limit their service to take out only.
As for retail operations of markets, talipapas and vending sites, they must close by 6 pm but bagsakan or delivery operations may continue.
When it comes to interment and wakes, non-COVID-19 deceased should be buried or cremated within two (2) days, provided that immediate family of not more than ten persons may visit the remains of the deceased during the two-day period in a funeral home. Home services for the deceased are prohibited.
On the other hand, there should be no visitors for COVID-19 deceased and its remains must be cremated within 12 hours of death as mandated in previous ordinances.
Belmonte also directed the suspension of operation of swimming pools, sports facilities, gyms, including private gyms in condominiums and subdivisions, spas and internet cafes.
In addition to the Special Concern Lockdowns being implemented by the local government, barangays may close roads but with the written approval from the city government. Any road closure approved by the City shall be automatically lifted at the end of the ECQ period.
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