It’s been a year now since Filipinos have experienced various quarantine changes yet some of us are still struggling to understand the government’s transition of quarantine levels and protocols.

As the infection rate of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is increasing, the health protocols are also adopting new strategies to help healthcare workers to control more outbreaks.

Filipinos are more used to remembering the levels when referring to them with numbers. So, to better understand the quarantine levels, here are the associated key points:

What is New Normal?

New normal is a term commonly used today as people across the globe need to adopt new ways of doing things. The new normal will likely be the simplest yet repetitive line of defense against the Covid-19. Think of it as the “very light” or has “no damage” Typhoon Signal number 1 or Quarantine Level 1. All parts of the Philippines are mandated to wear a face mask and face shield. Everyone should observe social distancing, checking of temperature, and frequent washing of hands. These basic things have become part of our daily routine as to wherever we go and whatever we’re doing comes these things. Every establishment and transportation, whether public or private, must have to abide by the government’s rule released by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).

What is MGCQ?

Modified General Community Quarantine or MGCQ is the most relaxed quarantine protocol above all. Think of it as “raise” Typhoon Signal number 2 or Quarantine Level 2. Everything that is permitted in GCQ is allowed in MGCQ. In this movement, only fifty percent (50%) of the seating capacity is allowed in every social gathering. Classes are allowed but must follow the minimum public health standards. Works in all public and private can operate in full capacity. Any types of indoor activities are allowed. Travels are also allowed with safety protocols. However, persons below 21 years old or 60 years old and above are encouraged to stay home.

What is GCQ?

General Community Quarantine or GCQ is quite a lesser relief quarantine protocol. Think of it as Typhoon Signal number 3 or Quarantine Level 3 that has “limited” access to almost everything. In this movement, only mass gatherings that are “essential” are permitted. Face-to-face classes are suspended and the skeletal system is imposed in school and workforces are under alternative work arrangement. Indoors and other non-contact activities are allowed. However, no sharing of equipment is observed as well as social distancing from every sport is implemented. Inter-island travel is allowed. Persons below 21 years old or 60 years old and above are required to stay home.

What is MECQ?

Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine or MGCQ is quite “hefty” because everyone we’re asked to stay at home. Think of it as Typhoon Signal number 4 or Quarantine Level 4, a step-down movement from being limited to half exempted from everything. Non-essential social gatherings are highly restricted not over 5 people. Schools are closed. Industries are only allowed to operate 50% of their workforce. And most of the working class is encouraged to have a work-from-home arrangement. Outdoors activities are limited. Domestic flights in the country are currently halted and international flights are selected to some countries with lower Covid-19 rates. Non-motorized transport and biking are highly encouraged. A person can only go out to access essential goods and services; otherwise one is just pleased to be at home.

What is ECQ?

Enhanced Community Quarantine or ECQ is known to be the “strictest” quarantine protocols. Others may call it as a hard lockdown where 100% of the population is mandated to stay at home except for the most essential healthcare workers and other businesses permitted to operate. Think of it as Typhoon Signal number 5 or Quarantine Level 5, where everyone fears to go out. Mass gatherings are not allowed. Schools are closed. Work-from-home and skeletal work arrangements are preferred. Sports and other outdoor activities are not allowed anymore. Public transportation is not allowed, even ‘angkas’ for family vehicles are highly discouraged. Shuttle and point-to-point services are granted for healthcare workers and other frontline passengers only.

What is Bubble?

This isn’t much like the usual GCQ because it only covers certain areas and is different from lockdown because the economy remains operational. The national government labels it as a “bubble” because it only applies to destinations where there are higher rates of Covid-19 to contain the possible outbreak. The people from the bubble areas have certain restrictions that differ from outsiders and they’re restricted to go in and out of the covered areas unless authorized. Also, outsiders are restricted to enter the said areas to help curb the increasing Covid-19 patients in the place.

The areas included in the GCQ Bubble are the “Greater Manila Area” which is now called as “NCR Plus” or referring to the National Capital Region and the surrounding provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal.

Some of the restrictions adopted by the IATF-EID are clearly emphasized in the new NCR Plus memorandum. Thus, only authorized residents can get in and out of the bubble areas presenting their residential IDs. People 18 years old below and 65 years old above including pregnant and with high comorbidity and other health issues are advised to stay at home. Outdoor activities have been very limited. Social gatherings are limited to 10 pax higher than that should be postponed. Only 50% of operations are allowed for dining capacity and other health care services. However, transportation remains at its current capacity following the Transportation cluster.

For developments and additional information, you can read the full IATF guidelines at the www.officialgazette.gov.ph.

Source: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2021/01jan/20210121-IATF-OMNIBUS-GUIDELINES-RRD.pdf