Manila to re-impose strict lockdown over delta variant concerns

Manila: The government of Philippines has announced to impose the most restrictive enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from August 6 to 20 to curb the spread of the Delta variant of coronavirus. This comes as another setback for the popular tourism industry of the country.

During the ECQ, only essential industries will be allowed to operate and public transport will either be suspended or limited.

The ECQ will be following the current extended general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened and additional restrictions in Manila, from July 30 to August 5, with leisure and business travel suspended.

Various destinations across the Philippines are in varying levels of lockdown.

Following the immediate suspension of point-to-point flights for leisure, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have cancelled a number of domestic flights. Returning flights are for tourists residing in metro Manila plus Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal).

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat had informed the travel and tourism sector, from July 30, hotels are not allowed to accept leisure guests. Essential meetings and social events are prohibited and dining is not allowed in restaurants in metro Manila during the GCQ with heightened restrictions and ECQ.

Indoor tourist sites have already been closed, while outdoor spots may operate at 30 per cent of maximum venue capacity. They will have to suspend operations by August 6.

Since July 30, point-to-point travel for leisure from NCR Plus areas has been banned. Accredited establishments outside NCR Plus areas are not allowed to accept leisure guests coming from NCR Plus areas, regardless of the date of the booking.