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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider FAQs about GCQ bubble

FAQs about GCQ bubble

Published Mar 21, 2021 06:45 pm

As Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal are placed under a general community quarantine (GCQ) bubble to arrest the spike in the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the country, here are the answers to some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the bubble:

(JANSEN ROMERO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

The bubble period is from March 22 to April 4. During this period, travel is unimpeded within the GCQ bubble but non-essential trips going in and out of the said area are prohibited.

According to Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque, residents in the GCQ bubble can freely travel within the bubble area but there will be checkpoints implemented on the borders of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal and their adjacent provinces.

Who are the people allowed to cross borders?

The people who can freely enter and exit the GCQ bubble are:

· Essential workers who will just show their work ID

· Health and emergency frontline services personnel

· Government officials and government frontline personnel

· Duly-authorized humanitarian assistance actors

· Persons traveling for medical or humanitarian reasons

· Persons going to the airport for travel abroad

· Anyone crossing zones for work or business and going back home

· Returning overseas Filipinos and overseas Filipino workers.

How about gatherings?

Public gatherings are not allowed except for weddings, baptisms, and funeral services which will be limited to 10 persons only.

Public transportation will remain operational during the two-week bubble.

There will be a common curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for the next two weeks but this will not restrict the following:

· Workers

· Cargo vehicles

· Public transportation

Who are the people allowed outdoors?

Those below 18 years old and above 65, including pregnant women and those with comorbidities or other health risks, are required to stay inside their homes at all times except when obtaining essential goods and services.

Those over 65 are allowed for outdoor non-contact sports and other forms of outdoor exercises. Persons with disability (PWDs) may be allowed outdoors for their therapy as well upon presentation of prescription from their physician and presentation of PWD ID. 

How about work?

Work will not be suspended during the bubble period. However, work-from-home arrangements are highly recommended. Meeting and other gatherings in workplaces are strictly prohibited.

The private sector is urged to adopt similar alternative work arrangements implemented by the government’s executive branch like 30 percent to 50 percent operational or on-site capacity.

How about restaurants and other personal care services?

Restaurants will still be open but dine-in services will be prohibited. Outdoor or al-fresco dining, however, will be allowed but the following measures shall be observed:

· 50 percent capacity

· one seat apart

· Maximum of two persons per table

· Acrylic barriers should be in place

Personal care services, including barbershops and parlors, shall be limited to 50 percent capacity.

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