The Metro Manila Council (MMC) shall impose shortened curfew hours from 12 midnight to 4 a.m. starting October 13, at the National Capital Region (NCR), as the region perceives a downtrend in its COVID-19 active cases.
The Department of Health (DOH) reported that there is a general decrease in COVID-19 active cases in the NCR on account of rapid and efficient detect and isolate strategies and enhanced vaccination efforts, among others.
“The adjustment on curfew hours was approved unanimously by the 17 Metro Manila local chief executives.”
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos said the adjustment on curfew hours was approved unanimously by the 17 Metro Manila local chief executives due to the declining number of COVID-19 cases, subject to the continued observance and enforcement of COVID-19 protocols and minimum public health standards.
“Everything is going down. The number of COVID-19 cases are declining as well as the reproduction rate, according to DOH data and OCTA Research. In light of the recent developments particularly the steady decrease of active cases, the curfew hours being presently implemented in the NCR under Alert Level 4 has to be adjusted,” Abalos said.
The current curfew hour is from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. following the implementation of a new alert level system last month being pilot tested to further curb the spread of the deadly virus.
Meanwhile, the MMC also approved a resolution urging the Metro Manila LGUs to enact ordinances and/or adopt resolutions restricting access to public and private cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria from October 29 to November 2 to prevent mass gatherings and to avert COVID-19 transmission during the observance of Undas or All Saints’ Day.
“The MMC decided to adopt the resolution implemented last year to temporarily close cemeteries all over the metropolis for at least one week.”
The traffic chief added the MMC decided to adopt the resolution implemented last year to temporarily close cemeteries all over the metropolis for at least one week.
There are 29 public cemeteries in Metro Manila.
“Filipinos can still physically visit the graves of their departed loved ones earlier than October 29 or later than November 2, subject to the prescribed thirty percent (30%) venue capacity,” the traffic head explained. “Face masks, face shields, and observance of physical distancing will be required.”
MMDA Resolution No. 21-22, Series of 2021, cited that “as for the conduct of wakes, necrological services, funerals, interment, cremation, and inurnment during this five-day period, the prescribed guidelines by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases shall govern.”
The MMC, composed of the 17 local government units of Metro Manila, is the governing body and policy-making body of the MMDA.
