Just in time for Christmas, shopping malls can hold sales and other activities that spur economic activity, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Friday, October 16.
Persons in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) can also now cross borders under “reasonable regulations” from local authorities. This includes those who are not classified as authorized persons outside of residence or APOR. The inter-zonal movements in GCQ and MGCQ can be “for any purpose,” Roque said.
Roque added that foreign leisure travel will be allowed starting October 21, provided health protocols are followed. Of course, receiving countries have their own rules for visitors.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases also widened the age bracket of those who can leave their houses—to 15-65 from 21-60. This means teens and seniors can now run errands.
On Thursday, October 15, official data showed that Indonesia reclaimed the top spot in Southeast Asia in terms of the number of COVID-19 cases, overtaking the Philippines. This underscores how Metro Manila has slowed infections that threatened to overwhelm the system last August.
The Philippines is slowly unwinding quarantines that have been in place since March. Starting October, restaurants can operate for 24 hours, hotels can offer staycation packages, and commuters can be spaced one seat apart in public transport instead of one meter.
NOTE: This story first appeared on Reportr.world. Minor edits have been made.
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