QC to impose strict protocols under MECQ 

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said strict protocols should be observed under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

In a statement, Belmonte said that slight leeway under the MECQ still prohibits mass gatherings in accordance with the physical distancing rule under quarantine protocols.

She said that public transportation in the city, except tricycles, are still suspended as firms allowed to operate will have to provide shuttle vehicles for their workers.

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Belmonte noted that tricycles operating the MECQ should follow the guidelines by the Tricycle Franchising Board (TFB) and Tricycle Regulatory Division (TRD).

Under their guidelines, Belmonte said that each tricycle should only have one passenger in the sidecar with no back riders allowed at any time.

She said that a transparent barrier must be placed between the motorcycle and the sidecar with the operator or driver regularly sanitizing and disinfecting each unit.

The tricycle driver should also wear face masks, gloves, among others, as protection agianst the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

With the tricycles being allowed to ferry just one passenger per trip, Belmonte said the city government is considering coming out with a modified fare matrix that is approximately commensurate to the expected dip in the daily earnings of the tricycle drivers.

As an exception to home quarantine, Belmonte said that limited outdoor activities like walking, jogging, and biking are allowed provided that individuals engaged in these wear face masks and observe social distancing.

Belmonte said the city has imposed strict quarantine regulations of high-risk persons specifically those below 21 years old and those above 60 years old who are still required to remain in their residence.

Also included in this group are pregnant women and people suffering from hypertension and diabetes, and others with serious health issues.

Belmonte noted that the public should still observe quarantine guidelines even if the city is now under the MECQ.

People who violate these guidelines will be charged under Section 9 of Republic Act No. 11332, which penalizes non-cooperation of persons or entities affected by a health event of public concern; and /or Article 151of the Revised Penal Code which is the resistance and disobedience to persons in authority.