(Eagle News) — Only authorized persons outside of residences are now allowed to travel in areas included in the NCR Plus bubble, as authorities tightened border controls in a bid to curb the transmission of the highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant.
In a statement, the Department of the Interior and Local Government said this was following Interior Secretary Eduardo Año’s directive for the Joint Task Force COVID Shield’s activation of all Quarantine Control Points along the borders of Cavite, Bulacan, Laguna, and Rizal.
The directive was in compliance with IATF Resolution No. 130-A, which took effect as the Palace announced Metro Manila would be placed under a general community quarantine with “heightened and additional restrictions” until Aug. 6, when it will then revert to a stricter enhanced community quarantine.
The ECQ will be in effect until Aug. 20.
According to Año, police manning the checkpoints will only recognize the following:
- IATF IDs issued by regulatory agencies; and
- valid IDs or pertinent documentation issued by establishments allowed to operate under the current quarantine classification
Those not considered APORs based on the criteria will be asked to return to their homes.
Año, however, reminded the police to allow the free movement of cargo and delivery vehicles, especially those bringing food across all quarantine control points because these are important to the economy.
He said any violation of the prohibitions may constitute non-cooperation of the person or entities punishable under Section 9 of RA 11332, which provides for the policies and procedure on surveillance and response to notifiable diseases, epidemics and health events of public health concern.