The government is not stopping people from getting some outdoor exercise to improve health in areas under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
People however must stay within their barangays or communities when they exercise every morning during the ECQ period in Metro Manila and four nearby provinces, according to Presidential spokesman Harry Roque
"Pinapapayagan ang pag-ehersisyo mula 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. iwthin the vicinity of your residences at sa inyong mga barangay (Exercise is allowed from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. within the vicinity of your residences or your barangays)," Roque said during a televised press briefing Monday, March 29.
"Importante po talaga ang exercise. Hindi kayo pinagbabawalan pero naman huwag kayong lalabas door sa komunidad ninyo o barangay ninyo (Exercise is really important. We are not prohibiting you but please don't go beyond your community or barangay)," he said.
He said Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) general manager Jose Arturo Garcia reported that many people were jogging and biking in Luneta Park Monday, insisting that exercising outside a person's barangay was not allowed.
"Kung gusto ninyong mag-jogging diyan lang sa barangay ninyo. Kung gusto ninyong mag-bike diyan lang sa barangay ninyo. Huwag kayong lalayo kasi masisita kayo (If you want to go jogging, stay within your barangay. If you want to go biking, stay within your barangay. Don't go beyond your community because you will be called out)," he said.
Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal have been replaced under ECQ, the most restrictive of the four lockdown levels, to curb the rapid rise in coronavirus cases and prevent the collapse of the health care system.
The movement restrictions, that include stay-at-home rule for people except for accessing essential goods and services, and going to work in offices and establishments allowed to operate, a ban on mass gatherings, and reduced capacity of public transportation, will be implemented from March 29 to April 4.
Any person below 18 years old and above 65 years, those with comorbidity, and pregnant women are also required to remain in their residences at all times except for essential activities.