Some areas in Quezon City still on lockdown

QUEZON CITY , Philippines — Some areas in Quezon City would remain under special concern lockdown even as the city starts to transition to the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) this weekend.

Mayor Joy Belmonte said health measures implemented in special concern areas shall prevail and would continue under MECQ.

Last week, the city government started implementing a 14-day special concern lockdown in some areas due to the high number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

Covered in the initial list were Sitio Militar in Barangay Bahay Toro; Vargas Compound, Adelfa Metro Heights, Abanay and Ancop Canada in Barangay Culiat; and Lower Gulod in Barangay Sauyo.

Also placed on lockdown were 318 Dakila street, 2nd Alley Kalayaan B and Masbate street in Barangay Batasan Hills; and Victory Avenue, ROTC Hunters, BMA Avenue and Agno street in Barangay Tatalon.

Only authorized persons such as frontliners with necessary identification cards would be allowed to leave their homes in areas under lockdown.

The city government said it would provide relief goods and supplies to all families within the identified areas.

On Friday, Belmonte issued the guidelines for the transition to MECQ, allowing limited outdoor activities such as walking, jogging and biking.

Residents, however, are still required to wear face masks and continue observing social distancing.

Belmonte has also authorized tricycle drivers to resume operations, although they are required to follow strict protocols such as having only one passenger, prohibiting back rides and installing transparent dividers between the motorcycle and the sidecar.

She encouraged tricycle drivers to have themselves tested at the city’s community testing centers.