2-week travel ban to and from NCR, Cavite, Rizal, Bulacan, Laguna ‘for common good’: Palace

By Prince Golez

The additional restrictions implemented in the National Capital Region and four of its neighboring provinces due to a spike in coronavirus cases is “for the common good,” Malacañang said.

The government has banned non-essential travel into and out of Metro Manila and the provinces of Cavite, Rizal, Bulacan, and Laguna from March 22 until April 4.

“Dalawa nga po iyong layunin natin ‘no. Para mapababa iyong pagkalat ng virus sa Metro Manila mismo at maiwasan iyong pagkalat ng virus lalo na iyong mga variants sa labas ng Metro Manila dahil talagang alam naman natin na itong mga bagong variants ay mas nakakahawa,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a virtual presser Sunday.

Roque believes that the public would understand why such a decision had been made.

“Sa tingin ko naman maiintindihan ng sambayanang Pilipino na with 8,000 COVID cases per day dahil nga po dito sa new variants na rin eh reasonable naman po itong bubble na ginawa natin sa Metro Manila at mga karatig na probinsya,” he added.

Some other restrictions include the following:

*All mass gatherings including religious gatherings shall be prohibited.

*The holding of face-to-face meetings are highly discouraged.

*Holding of weddings, baptisms, and funeral services shall be limited to 10 persons.

*The private sector is enjoined to adopt similar alternative working arrangements as those already in place in the executive branch of the government.

*Dine-in restaurants, cafes, and establishments shall be limited to delivery, and take-out. Outdoor or al fresco dining shall be allowed.

*Any person below 18 years old and above 65 years old, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other health risks, and pregnant women, shall be required to remain in their residences at all times, except when indispensable under the circumstances for obtaining essential goods and services or for work.

*Visiting persons outside their immediate family or other household is strongly discouraged. The wearing of face masks is strongly advised even at home.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)