It wasn’t quite the ‘opening’ we were expecting but the MECQ (modified enhanced community quarantine) is better than nothing. The big question on everyone’s mind is, “Who can go out?” and how to do it in the easiest and safest way possible.

The IATF-EID (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) has created four classification zones across the country, identifying areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases and areas which don’t. This will allow authorities to track and control people movement.

Zones

These areas are classified as a Critical Zone (CrZ): 20 or more cases; Containment Zone (CZ): 1-19 cases; Buffer Zone (BZ): No cases but is adjacent to areas with cases; and Outside of Buffer Zone (OBZ): No cases, not near areas with cases.

Note that these zones don’t have the same marks as city borders. While you may be moving between cities or sometimes even a province, you could still be in the same zone. For example, as Laguna and Metro Manila are both in MECQ, you’re not crossing any zone if you’re moving between the two locations. If you’re going to Cavite, which is under GCG (general community quarantine), you’re changing zones, as they’re already a BZ while Metro Manila and Laguna are a CZ.

Industries have also been categorized to sort out which can begin operations and which ones stay closed. I’ve listed down a few of the industries in each category (as examples, not the complete list). If yours isn’t here, check advisories by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) or the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson before venturing out.

Category 1 industries are agriculture, fisheries, essential goods (food, hygiene, meds, etc.), laundry shops, utilities (power, water, telco, etc.), machine repair, construction (DPWH-accredited), and media.

Category 2 industries are BPO companies, banks, other manufacturing (computer, rubber, paper, motor vehicles, etc.), e-commerce, and courier services.

Category 3 industries are malls, restaurants, barbershops and salons, clothing and accessories stores, bookstores, flower/jewelry shops, and toy stores.

Category 4 industries are gyms/sports facilities, theaters and karaoke bars, tourist destinations, and travel agencies.

Under MECQ

Under MECQ, all establishments under Category 1 can open ‘with safety protocols’ (face mask required, frequent sanitation and handwashing, physical distancing of at least one-meter, reconfigured work spaces, private shuttle for workers, antibody testing and a confirmatory PCR ). For Category 2, only a limited number can open with safety protocolsas they are only “partially allowed” (50% work from home, maximum 50% on site). Most Category 3 business are on partially allowed status also.

There will be no public transportation in MECQ. The only way to get around is via a company shuttle, private vehicle, bicycle, motorcycle, and other personal mobility devices like an e-scooter. The DOTr is pushing for more bike lanes and there is an ongoing discussion with concerned government agencies to quickly implement this.

Take note that in MECQ areas, everyone is still under 100% stay-at-home orders, so don’t go out unless you have to. Plus, if you’re in a high-risk area, mayors are legally allowed to declare a lockdown if more people get infected.

Under GCQ

If you’re in GCQ, most everything is open except for enterprises in Category 4. Public utility vehicles (PUVs) will be allowed in GCQ but under strict physical distancing rules.

While tricycles are a far fifth in the pecking order of PUVs allowed to operate in GCQ, local government units have been given the authority to lift the ban on tricycles granted they follow strict health and safety measures.

Remember motorists, checkpoints and quarantine control points will still be there. In fact, the PNP says police visibility will actually increase in the next few weeks all the way to GCQ. On the barangay level, this may vary.

Preparation

Any of the factors above can restrict your mobility so be aware of the conditions along your route as well as your situation.

It may seem confusing with different categories, zones and quarantine levels. To simplify, get your job’s category first to see if you’re even qualified to go out, then work your way from there.

Before going out, ensure you have the following:

A RapidPass (QR code for frontline workers and ‘authorized persons outside residence’ to pass checkpoints quickly and freely). Or at the very least, bring company IDs, company business docs (if applicable), your barangay/town/city quarantine pass, and most importantly, an ID bearing your residential address (without it, you may not be able to cross zones to go back home).

A face mask. Better yet, wear a face shield over it (if available), and hand sanitizers/rubbing alcohol.

If you’re crossing checkpoints, be courteous. After alighting from your vehicle, always physically distance, wherever you are. Remember that the only way we can get back to the beach or do the other fun stuff in life is through following protocols in MECQ, MGCQ, and GCQ.

By Eric Tipan