All signs point to the lowering of lockdown protocols in Metro Manila to a modified general community quarantine or MGCQ, from the current GCQ. So what now?
Short answer: Metro residents will get a taste of the closest thing there is to normalcy after more than a year of living with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). But don't get too comfortable.
The omnibus guidelines on the implementation of community quarantine in the Philippines dates January 14, 2021 defines MGCQ as "the transition phase between GCQ and the New Normal, when the following temporary measures are relaxed and become less necessary: limiting movement and transportation, the regulation of operating industries, and the presence of uniformed personnel to enforce community quarantine protocols."
That technical definition might sound just like status quo, but the difference will be felt in the new "freedoms" that urban dwellers will get to enjoy for the first time in months.
Section 5, no.4 of omnibus guidelines provides that indoor and outdoor non-contact sports and other forms of exercise "such as but not limited to walking, jogging, running, biking, golf, swimming, tennis, badminton, equestrian, range shooting, and skateboarding are allowed."
This, as long as the minimum public health standards such as the wearing of masks and the maintenance of social distancing protocols, and non-sharing of equipment where applicable, are observed. Spectators in all non-contact sports and exercises are still prohibited.
Mass gatherings for movie screenings, concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment activities; religious services, and work conferences are allowed under Section 5, no.5. "Provided, that participants shall be limited to fifty percent (50%) of the seating or venue capacity," the provision read.
The next provision (no.6) says higher education institutions (HEIs) can now have limited face-to-face or in-person classes as long as there is strict compliance with minimum public health standards, as well as consultation with local government units, and compliance with guidelines set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
It added: "Face-to-face TVET (Technical Vocational Education and Training) and competency assessment may be conducted at up to 50% training and assessment site capacity, provided there is strict compliance with minimum public health standards, TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) Guidelines and consultation with local government units."
"For K-12 Basic Education, the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan of the DepEd (Department of Education) shall be adopted," it further read.
The relaxation of work-related restrictions will also be observed under MGCQ. "Work in all public and private offices may be allowed to resume physical reporting to work at full operating capacity, with alternative work arrangements for persons who are sixty (60) years old and above, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other health risks, and pregnant women," read Section 5, no.7.
Work in government offices may be at full operational capacity as well, as per provision no.12..However, agencies may still impose alternative work arrangements in accordance with issuances from the Civil Service Commission.
Meanwhile, provision no.8 says that "road, rail, maritime, and aviation sectors of public transportation shall be allowed to operate at such capacity and following the protocols as provided for by the DOTr (Department of Transportation)."