Metro Manila COVID-19 updates

Supreme Court suspends work from 12:30 p.m. on May 12 for disinfection of premises "in view of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases."

Senate President Migz Zubiri says Sen. Grace Poe is recovering from COVID-19 and is not present at the Senate plenary session today. She is the fourth senator to catch the coronavirus in the past two weeks. — Franco Luna

Senate President Migz Zubiri says Sen. Cynthia Villar tested positive for COVID-19. She is third senator to test positive for the virus following Sens. Alan Peter Cayetano and Imee Marcos -- Philstar.com/Xave Gregorio

Daily growth rate in the National Capital Region is down to 2% from 3% of the previous day, according to OCTA Research.

OCTA Research fellow Guido David says the capital region could be close to the peak in new cases or the region has reached its limits in testing capacity.

NCR daily growth rate just 2%. The NCR could be close to the peak in new cases, or the NCR has reached its limits in testing capacity. @dzbb @dzrhnews @allangatus @News5PH @DZAR1026 @NewsRmn @dwiz882 @dzme_1530khz @EagleNews @ABSCBNNews @sofiatomacruz @PhilstarNews @haydeesampang pic.twitter.com/qkSPVvyf6e

— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) January 16, 2022

The LRTA says it will implement the "no vaccination, no ride/no entry" policy starting January 17.

Only vaccinated passengers will be allowed to ride the LRT-2 and will be required to show proof of vaccination.

pic.twitter.com/rlkT7Lpwwf

— LRT2 (@OfficialLRTA) January 13, 2022

The Department of Transportation has issued an order barring unvaccinated people from using public transportation in Metro Manila while the capital region is under Alert Level 3.

"All concerned attached agencies and sectoral offices of DOTr are directed to ensure that operators of public transportation shall allow access or issue tickets only to ‘fully vaccinated persons’ as evidenced by a physical or digital copies of an LGU (local government unit)-issued vaccine card, or any IATF-prescribed document, with a valid government issued ID with picture and address," it says.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat says she's in isolation following a recent exposure to a COVID-19 positive individual.

The government must ensure supply of basic medicines like paracetamol amid reports of people having trouble getting access to them, Akbayan party-list says Wednesda

"A shortage of paracetamol is another bitter pill that must not be swallowed by the public," Dr. RJ Naguit, second nominee of the party-list, says in a release.

The government has played down the reported shortage, saying supplies are adequate according to its monitoring. It said only specific brands of paracetamol are out of stock at pharmacies.

"For the last two years, the people have been swallowing too many bitter pills in the form of strict lockdowns, lack of mass testing, and inadequate ayuda. And after all our sacrifices, what do we get? We are entering the third year of the pandemic with hardly any paracetamol pills to swallow," Naguit says, adding failure to ensure steady stocks of basic medicines would lower confidence in government.

The House of Representatives goes on lockdown to prevent spread of Omicron variant, Secretary General Mark Mendoza says.

House to resume operations next week. — Xave Gregorio

According to the Metro Manila Development Authority, unvaccinated people in the National Capital Region should remain at home. 

They will not be allowed to dine out or go to malls.

The National Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus in Manila suspends public Masses from December 31 until January 14 after a priest and three personnel tested positive of COVID-19.

“For the duration of the closure, there will be thorough disinfection and intensive sanitation and, hence, the churchgoers are requested to refrain from coming to the Church in the meantime,” the shrine says in a statement.

For the meantime, parishioners are encouraged to attend online Masses.

Manila church temporary closed after priest, 3 staff test positive for #Covid19 https://t.co/KicWzcud1F #cbcpnews

— CBCPNews (@cbcpnews) January 2, 2022

Metro Manila is now at moderate risk following an increase in COVID-19 cases from December 23 to 29.

This is an increase from its very low risk classification between December 16 to 22.

"This is not surprising because of the increased number of holiday gatherings during the week of the holiday," OCTA says in its December 30 report.

OCTA Research Covid Report 12.30.21. NCR now at moderate risk. Reproduction number at 1.47. Healthcare utilization still at very low (19%). @dzbb @dzrhnews @DZAR1026 @NewsRmn @News5PH @dwiz882 @PhilstarNews @ABSCBNNews @allangatus @RMMendozaMT @EagleNews @DrTonyLeachon pic.twitter.com/aewoTfuIvS

— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) December 30, 2021

Metro Manila mayors have agreed to reimpose the number coding scheme in the capital region, MMDA chair Benhur Abalos says.

According to a report from state-run PTV, the number coding scheme will be implemented in Metro Manila from Monday to Friday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

However, public transportation and motorcycles will not be covered by the scheme.

People in Barangay Central in Quezon City can exchange their used face shields on Monday for face masks, alcohol and vitamins, Akbayan party-list says in an advisory.

The party-list, which is joining the 2022 elections, said it will put up a "palit face shield" booth at Kalayaan Plaza Market in Kalayaan Avenue in Barangay Central.
Kalayaan Ave., Brgy. Central, Quezon City 

Dr. RJ Naguit, the party-list's second nominee, said the group wants to help the public properly dispose of the face shields, which he said "have no real significant protective benefits."

The wearing of face shields, mandatory in public in the Philippines since December 2020, are no longer mandatory. Government officials said, though, that private establishments can still require them.

RiteMed Philippines Inc. announces that the first batch of anti-Covid oral drug Molnupiravir, under the brand name MOLNARZ, has arrived in the Philippines.

This will allow the company to start its distribution initially to hospitals that have secured compassionate special permits from the Food and Drug Administration.

The City of Manila issues an executive order declaring the use of face shields as non-mandatory except in medical facilities.

The order cites the de-escalation of the alert level status of the Manila and the rest of the National Capital Region last November 4.

OFFICIAL MPIO NEWS RELEASE: Isko lifts use of face shields as requirement except in medical facilities. pic.twitter.com/8bPdLhEp5T

— Manila Public Information Office (@ManilaPIO) November 8, 2021

Metro Manila mayors have agreed to remove the mandatory wearing of face shields, MMDA chair Benhur Abalos says.

Face shields would only be worn in critical areas, such as hospitals.

The mayors have yet to recommend this to the government's pandemic task force.

Curfew in Metro Manila will be lifted starting November 4, MMDA chair Benhur Abalos says.

LGUs, however, may impose restrictions on minors despite the lifting of curfew hours, he adds.

Quezon City is now classified as low risk for COVID-19, according to OCTA Research.

OCTA Research fellow Guido David says the positivity rate at the city is at 5% while reproduction number is at 0.50.

COVID-19 hospital bed occupancy in Quezon City is at 42 % while ICU occupancy is 50%, which are both considered low levels.

(Requested). Quezon City now at low risk. QC positivity rate at 5%, reproduction number at 0.50, HCUR at 42%. @dzbb @DZAR1026 @dzrhnews @allangatus @NewsRmn @dwiz882 @CarolynBonquin @PhilstarNews @News5PH @PHINewsNet1 @RMMendozaMT @EagleNews @rapplerdotcom pic.twitter.com/e1eO1kbMvT

— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) November 2, 2021

OCTA Research fellow Guido David says Metro Manila could shift to alert level 2 and that it will be safe to repopen businesses.

David notes that some Metro Manila LGUs recorded a positive growth rate but the COVID-19 reproduction number in all LGUs is below one.

Children aged 12 and below will no longer be allowed to enter the Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach starting October 26, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources says.

The area will also be closed from October 29 to November 3 in observance of Undas.

ICMYI: Children age 12 and below will not be allowed entry to the Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach starting today, Oct. 26, with respect to the guidelines of IATF.

The beach will also be closed from Oct. 29 to Nov. 3 in observance of ‘Undas.’#BattleForManilaBay pic.twitter.com/FNmvdFQPHp

— ???? (@DENROfficial) October 25, 2021

The reproduction number of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila decreased to 0.55 as of October 18, OCTA Research fellow Guido David says.

This is is the lowest since May 18 when it was at 0.56.

"The 7-day average is now 1411. We hope we can keep Rt below 0.6 the rest of the year," David says in a tweet.

Reproduction number in NCR decreased to 0.55 as of 10.18.21, the lowest since 5.18.21 when it was at 0.56. The 7-day average is now 1411. We hope we can keep Rt below 0.6 the rest of the year @dzbb @allangatus @cnnphilippines @DZAR1026 @dzrhnews @News5PH @NewsRmn @dwiz882 pic.twitter.com/KlE1dDovB9

— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) October 19, 2021

The government's pandemic task force has approved putting the National Capital Region under Alert Level 3 from October 16 until the end of the month, the Palace says.

DOH epidemiology bureau director Alethea de Guzman says Metro Manila is showing a sudden downtrend trend of COVID-19 cases.

Reported coronavirus cases decreased by 16% compared to the week prior, DOH says.

De Guzman, however, says the DOH is cautious about interpreting the decline in COVID-19 cases and cites lower laboratory testing output. — report from Alexis Romero

Metro Manila will be placed under general community quarantine with alert level 4 starting September 16, according Interior Secretary Eduardo Año.

Under alert level 4, alfresco dine-in is allowed up to 30% capacity while indoor dine-in is allowed up to 10% capacity but for fully vaccinated customers only.

Personal care services and religious gatherings will be allowed up to 30% capacity if outdoor and 10% capacity for indoor but for fully vaccinated only.

A total of 122 individuals, including 99 children, at the Gentlehands Orphanage in Quezon City tested positive with COVID-19.

Following this development, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte called on the management of workplaces to strictly implement minimum public health protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Dapat maging mahigpit ang ating persons in authority sa pagpapatupad nito para maiwasan natin ang pagkalat ng virus," Belmonte says in a statement.

The government should compensate small businesses in Metro Manila that were affected by shifting decisions on quarantine classifications, Akbayan paty-list says.

Metro Manila was supposed to shift to General Community Quarantine on Wednesday until an announcement on Tuesday evening that that planned shift, which was supposed to also see a shift to "granular" lockdowns, would be deferred until September 15 or until guidelines are finalized.

"The [Inter-Agency Task Force] must reimburse small businesses that incurred losses due to its ‘laban-bawi’ quarantine protocols. This kind of negligence and thoughtlessness from the government hurts everyone, especially small enterprises and their workers who are trying their best to survive despite the pandemic," party-list nominee Perci Cendaña says in a statement.

Metro Manila to remain under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine until September 15, 2021 or until the government irons out guidelines on a new quarantine system, the Palace announces.

Metro Manila was supposed to revert to General Community Quarantine from September 8 as the government tests using 'granular' lockdowns instead of region-wide quarantine classifications.

Metro Manila is reverting to the more lenient General Community Quarantine from September 8 to 30, according to a resolution by the inter-agency pandemic task force.

Members of the task force last week said the government may shift to "granular" lockdowns, or smaller-scale and localized hard lockdowns, instead of classifications that are region-wide.  

The average number of COVID-19 cases per day in the National Capital Region from August 18 to 24 was 13% higher than in the previous week, according to OCTA Research.

"The growth rates in previous weeks were 54%, 46% and 67%. The reproduction number in the NCR decreased to 1.53 (with an error range of ±0.05)," the report read.

OCTA noted that this reproduction number is in the critical range.

NCR Report 08.25.21. Reproduction number in NCR decreased to 1.53. Nine LGUs with single digit or less growth rates. @allangatus @DrTonyLeachon @dzbb @cnnphilippines @onenewsph @dzrhnews @QCGov @rapplerdotcom @inquirerdotnet @NET25TV @TV5manila @FEBC_ph @dwiz882 @BomboRadyoNews pic.twitter.com/09YIGLXHCW

— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) August 24, 2021

Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino, a labor group that identifies as socialist, calls on the Department of Labor and Employment to release funds to help workers in areas under Enhanced Community Quarantine cope with the effects of the lockdown.

BMP made the call after the Department of Budget and Management said they cannot give the labor department more funds because it still had P13 billion pesos in its emergency employment programs that can be used to provide cash aid.

The Philippine National Police will help augment public transportation in locked-down Metro Manila through its Libreng Sakay Program for Authorized Persons Outside of Residence.

Due to restrictions, public transportation will be limited throughout the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

According to a PNP advisory, the program already has 10 routes serving the capital and nearby provinces.

The free rides run from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m.

a.    Central Terminal (Manila City Hall) to Quezon Avenue MRT 3 and vice-versa;
b.    Camp Crame to “Tungko” San Jose Del Monte Bulacan (via Commonwealth Ave.) and vice-versa;
c.    Camp Crame to Rodriguez Rizal (via Litex) and vice-versa;
d.    Camp Crame to Taytay (via Ortigaz) and vice-versa;
e.    Camp Crame to Meycauayan, Bulacan (via Mc Arthur Highway) and vice versa;
f.    Camp Crame to Antipolo City and vice-versa;
g.    Pasay to Monumento (EDSA) North Bound and vice-versa;
h.    Monumento to Pasay Taft (EDSA) South Bound and vice-versa;
i.    Camp Crame to Zapote, Bacoor, Cavite and vice-versa; and
j.    Camp Crame to Novaliches and vice-versa.

"The PNP ensures that the health and safety protocols are strictly being observed in its free transportation program. Furthermore, passengers are provided with face masks, bottled waters, and useful information materials as supplies allow," the PNP also says.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte reiterates that walk-ins are not allowed in the city's vaccine sites following a video footage of large crowds forming outside vaccine sites.

Belmonte calls on those spreading false information urging the public to line up for "walk-in accommodations" to stop spreading this.

"You are literally endangering the lives of countless men, women, and children. Kung hindi kayo madadala sa pakiusap, kaso ng reckless endangerment, violation ng Cybercrime Law, at unjust vexation ang ihaharap namin sa inyo. To this end, I would like to appeal to our national law enforcement agencies to investigate these posts, and file the necessary charges," Belmonte says.

Healthcare workers at private hospitals are asking government to pay them promised financial aid after the Duterte administration’s recent order to release P10.89 billion as aid to Metro Manila residents affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

"It is only right to provide ‘ayuda’ to 10 million of our fellow countrymen to be impacted by heightened quarantine restrictions in Metro Manila amid the resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic," says Jao Clumia, union president of the St. Luke’s Medical Center Employees Association in Quezon City.

He says, however, that "Duterte ordered the DBM to release the funds for ‘ayuda’ while we can no longer enjoy the funds for the benefits for healthworkers stipulated under Bayanihan 2, which he signed into law, because Bayanihan 2 has lapsed."

Don Siazon, president of the UST Hospital Union, says in the same release that "NCR has less than a million private hospital workers. It would be easy for President Duterte to allocate funds for us medical frontliners because we are not that many."

Healthworkers have long been calling for the implementation of the aforementioned benefits such as life insurance, meals, accommodations, and transportation stated under Bayanihan 2 or the Bayanihan Act to Recover as One but the Department of Health – Center for Health Development returned the funds allocated for these after the law expired.

People who are not "Authorized Persons Outside Residence" will now be allowed to bring APORs to and from work, Police Gen. Guillermo Eleazar says.

JUST IN | Kinumpirma ni PNP Chief Guillermo Eleazar sa programang #TedFailonandDJChacha na pinapayagan na ang hatid-sundo sa mga working Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APORs) ng mga non-APORs. pic.twitter.com/WPy1rMwuSJ

— News5 (@News5PH) August 5, 2021

Police announced on Wednesday that APORs would have to find ways to get to and from work because non-APORs will not be allowed to drive them. Police said public transportation will be operational anyway.

Valenzuela City has started giving out quarantine passes in preparation of the National Capital Region's return to Enhanced Community Quarantine on August 6.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government is requiring quarantine passes to make sure that only those authorized to go out leave home.

"Only one quarantine pass will be issued to the head of the family, which is also for free and will be delivered door-to-door by barangay staff," the city's Public Information Office says.

"The quarantine pass can only be used by one person and should not be used outside of the curfew hours of 8 p.m. to 4 a.m."

The House of Representatives suspends plenary sessions during the enhanced community quarantine period in Metro Manila from August 6 to 20.

During this period, all meetings will be held via videoconferencing and only Secretariat personnel with extremely essential tasks will be allowed to report physically to the office.

“The threat of this Delta variant is real, as evidenced by the surge in cases in certain regions around the world,” Speaker Lord Allan Velasco says in a statement.

Metro Manila will be placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine from August 6 to 20, the Palace says on Friday morning.

The announcement comes after mayors in the National Capital Region asked for stricter quarantine restrictions to arrest the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19.

ECQ is the strictest classification and people are required to stay at home except for essential activities. People working in essential sectors are allowed to go to work.

The Palace has yet to issue detailed guidelines on the imposition of ECQ but here are some of the restrictions from the lockdown in 2020:

• No movement regardless of age and health status

• Minimal economic activity except for utility services (ie. food, power, water etc. and critical economic sector)

• No transportation activity except for utility services

• No physical classes

• No public transport

• No domestic flights, limited international flights

The station commander of Police Station 3 of the Quezon City Police District has been relieved from duty after it was found that police officers still waiting for the results of their COVID-19 tests were deployed to secure the State of the Nation Address.

Eighty-two officers have since been found positive for the coronavirus.

"In view of the apparent breach of protocol when most of these PNP personnel were deployed for SONA duties even if they were still waiting for their RT-PCR results, I have already ordered the administrative relief of the Station Commander, Police Station 3 of the QCPD, for command responsibility," Police Gen. Guillermo Eleazar says in a statement.

"This should serve as a reminder to all our commanders to exercise prudence and to strictly abide with our existing protocols amid the serious threat of COVID-19, especially with the rising number of infection from the Delta variant."

The Metro Manila Council says the 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew hours are back in Metro Manila amid the threat of Delta variant of COVID-19 effective tomorrow, July 25.

The National Capital Region will be placed under General Community Quarantine "with heightened restrictions" from July 23 to 31, the Palace says.

The last time that "heightened restrictions" were imposed, the government allowed only essential interzonal — or between areas with diferent classifications — travel.

Indoor dining was allowed at 20-percent seating capacity and outdoor dining was limited to 50-percent capacity.

Tourist attractions were allowed to operate at 30-percent capacity.

Manila allows walk-in clients in all vaccination sites following low vaccination turnouts reported in the city.

Mayor Isko Moreno issued the directive at 4:30 p.m., Manila Public Information Office says.

Manila City started its no-walk in policy on Monday, resulting to low vaccination turnouts.

NEWS ALERT: Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno allows walk-in clients in all vaccination sites following low vaccination turnout.

Directive was issued at around 4:30 pm today. #AlertoManileno #COVID19PH pic.twitter.com/njD6CTbH01

— Manila Public Information Office (@ManilaPIO) June 21, 2021

Quezon City may terminate its contract with Zuellig Pharma Corp. over "technical difficulties" on its eZConsult service that have prevented residents from signing up for COVID-19 vaccination slots.

"We have issued an ultimatum to Zuellig so they can improve their system quickly and provide all the deliverables. If not, we have no other choice but to find another company that can do the job quickly and efficiently," QC Mayor Joy Belmonte says in a press statement.

The eZConsult system bogged down in June 10, 2021, the QC government said, "causing the city government’s inability to provide vaccines to its constituents in a quick and timely manner."

It said the city may also seek damages from the company over the inconvenience that the technical difficulties caused.

The curfew in the National Capital Region will be adjusted to from midnight to 4 a.m., Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Benhur Abalos announces.

The new curfew hours — shorter than the 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew imposed in May — will take effect on June 15.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has issued a show-cause order for Majority Floor Leader Franz Pumaren to explain alleged violations of health protocols at a food distribution event on Tuesday afternoon.

"The move is consistent with the city government’s policy of going after violators of established health and safety protocols as well as to hold them accountable for their actions, regardless of status or position," the mayor's office says.

In a press briefing, Pumaren says the food distribution in Barangay Old Balara was assisted by purok leaders to act as marshalls and ensure that health protocols were followed.

Aside from the volunteers, personnel from the Philippine National Police and the city's Task Force Disiplina were also at the event to manage the crowd, which Pumaren says reached around 5,000 to 6,000 people.

He says the line was orderly until rain disrupted the activity and acknowledges that people rushed back to get in line when the rain stopped.

"The Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit has been instructed to conduct Covid 19 testing among participants of the activity," the mayor also says.

Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Benhur Abalos says he may ask National Capital Region mayors to consider loosening some restrictions like curfews and capacities. 

Mayors are meeting on Wednesday night, he says on the ABS-CBN News Channel.

A total of 295 tourism workers in Intramuros, Manila will receive almost P1.5 million cash assistance from the government.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat says the government approved the allotment under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which includes direct cash assistance to workers displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The beneficiaries include 138 carinderia and ambulant vendors, 87 security personnel, 20 DOT-accredited pedicab drivers, 20 janitorial services workers and 30 calesa workers. Each of them will receive a one-time cash assistance of P5,000.

GCQ under Heightened Restrictions, according to the Palace:

• Only essential travel into and out of the NCR Plus shall be allowed.
   
• Public transportation shall remain operational at such capacities and protocols in accordance with the Department of Transportation guidelines while the use of active transportation shall be promoted.
   
• Also, indoor dine-in services in NCR Plus shall be at 20% venue or seating capacity while outdoor or al fresco dining shall be at 50% venue or seating capacity.
   
• Outdoor tourist attractions in the NCR Plus, on the other hand, may be opened at 30% with strict adherence to minimum public health standards.
   
• Further allowed in the NCR Plus are specialized markets of the Department of Tourism (DOT) following the minimum public health standards and implementation of protocols and restrictions as set by the DOT.
   
• Religious gatherings and gatherings for necrological services, wakes, inurnment and funerals for those who died of causes other than COVID-19 in NCR Plus shall be allowed up to 10% of the venue capacity.
   
• Also continued to be allowed in GCQ areas with heightened restrictions are non-contact sports in outdoor contact sports, games, scrimmages; and personal care services that allow for services not requiring mask removal, such as salons, parlors, beauty clinics, etc at 30% capacity.
   
• Individuals, 18-65 years of age, can leave their places of residence in GCQ areas with heightened restrictions.
   
• Meanwhile, entertainment venues, such as bars, concert halls, theaters, etc; recreational venues, such as internet cafes, billiards halls, arcades, etc; amusement parks, fairs, playgrounds, kiddie rides; indoor sports courts and venues and indoor tourist attractions; venues for meetings, conferences, exhibitions shall not be allowed in GCQ areas with heightened restrictions.
   
• Interzonal travel from NCR Plus areas, except those conducted by Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APORs), shall remain prohibited in GCQ areas with heightened restrictions.

The Department of Tourism supports the construction of temporary hospitals and pandemic-related facilities in tourism sites, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat says Tuesday.

"The DOT is gratified and honored to be able to use its parks and public spaces in support of the national pandemic response," she says.

She made the comment at the groundbreaking for a Mega Field Hospital at the Burnham Green in Rizal Park in Manila.

St. Luke's Medical Center hospitals in Taguig and in Quezon City are at full capacity for COVID-19 patients, SLMC says Sunday morning.

It says that aside from the COVID-19 wards and ICU units being full, there are also "several critical patients in waiting at the Emergency Room."

SLMC says those who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and who are in need of immediate treatment should consider other healthcare institutions for now. 

Former president and Manila mayor Joseph "Erap" Estrada has tested positive for COVID-19.

Estrada's son, former senator JV Ejercito on Monday morning tweeted that his father was rushed to the hospital.

"Please pray for all those who are likewise fighting this virus," Ejercito says.

Please pray for my father who has tested positive for COVID-19 and was rushed to the hospital.

Please pray for all those who are likewise fighting this virus. ????????

— JV Ejercito (@jvejercito) March 28, 2021

Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center in Tondo is at full capacity for COVID-19 patients, Manila's Public Information Office announces.

The hopsital's COVID-19 ward and isolation rooms are already at 124.44% capacity while suspected COVID-19 cases are also waiting for swab test results.

The hospital will limit admission of COVID-19 patients but the emergency room will remain open.

The COVID-19 reproduction rate in Metro Manila dropped to 1.91 as of March 24 but it is too early to tell if this is the start of a downward trend in the region, OCTA research says.

The average of new COVID-19 cases in the capital region was at 3,804 per day over the past week, which is a 61% increase from the previous week.

"The daily attack rate in NCR increased to 27.2 per 100,000, which puts the region in the high risk classification," the report read.

St. Luke's Medical Center reminds the public that its COVID wards and COVID ICU at its Bonifacio Global City and Quezon City hospitals are full.

"Despite the conversion of more hospital bedts to critical care beds, the Emergency Rooms has also reached full capacity with a significant number of COVID-19 patients still waiting to be admitted," it says in an advisory.

St. Luke's appeals to COVID-19 patients who need immediate treatment to go to other healthcare institutions instead.

The Metro Manila Council temporarily suspends the operation of gyms, spas and internet cafes in the National Capital Region until April 4.

This follows an agreement among the 17 Metro Manila mayors to amend their respective executive orders to set a standardized approach and for uniformity within the capital region.

"WHEREAS, it has been determined by the Metro Manila Local Government Units that gyms, spas, and internet cafes encourage the congregation of persons thereby increasing the risk of community transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its variants," MMDA Resolution 21-05 reads.

Malabon Mayor Lenlen Oreta on Tuesday confirms that he tested positive for COVID-19.

While he is asymptomatic, the mayor says he will be working from home in the following days.

"This only shows na matindi pa rin ang epekto ng Covid-19 sa Malabon. Matinding pag-iingat ang kailangan lalo na ang pagsunod sa mga health protocols," Oreta says.

The COVID-19 ward and ICU units of St. Luke's Medical Center Global City and Quezon City have reached full capacity as of 11 a.m. on Monday.

"Meanwhile, St. Luke's remains in full service for non-COVID-19 cases, both outpatient and inpatient," the hospital says in a public advisory.

The Diocese of Cubao announces a lockdown of its parish churches until April 5, Easter Monday, to help arrest a surge in COVID-19 cases.

"This is the time for prudence, courage and love. With the rising surge of cases of infection swirling around us, the Diocese of Cubao has decided to declare a lockdown of its parish churches for the period March 22 to April 4, 2021. This is to encourage the faithful to stay home and keep them safe," Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco says in a statement.

"Voluntarily closing our places of worship at the highest point of our liturgical year is heartbreaking. But we also open our eyes to a situation that puts many of our faithful at risk. Numbers are surging and scientific data show that unless drastic interventions are done, these numbers will not decline anytime soon," he says.

The Department of Education's central office in Pasig City will be closed for disinfection and contact tracing until Wednesday, March 24.

According to a DepEd announcement, central office eprsonnel will be working from home until then, but assured the public "that operations of the Department will be functional without any interruption." 

"Public services shall continue through virtual and alternative means," it adds.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development's central office in Quezon City will be on a three-day lockdown from March 19 to March 21 for disinfection and decontamination against COVID-19.

DSWD employees will be working from home for the disinfection.

The return of a curfew and movement restrictions a year into the COVID-19 pandemic show that government has not learned from pastr mistakes, labor group Bukluran ng Mangagagwang Pilipino says, claiming further that the Duterte administration "has nothing to show" for the months of lockdown.

"As before, these policies are being done without any consideration of the effects on nightshift workers (including medical frontliners) whom the government expects to continue working as part of their thrust to further reopen and revitalize the economy. With no provision of free transport or economic aid, we will likely see stranded workers again under pressure of termination for being unable to report to work," it says in a statement on Tuesday.

"As it was a year ago, their main concern is not improving contact tracing and mass testing or augmenting our public health system and infrastructure. These measures discriminate against poor and working Filipinos who are erroneously labeled as 'pasaways' and are being blamed for the rising infection rates."

Minors in Metro Manila, particularly 15 to 17 years old, will be banned anew from going outdoors for two weeks starting March 17.

Only persons aged 18 to 65 are allowed to go outside their homes following a spike in COVID-19 cases in the capital region.

"We are implementing age restrictions because of the increase in our COVID-19 cases. We encourage everyone to strictly observe and practice the minimum health protocols, and be extra careful and follow stringent measures particularly when around vulnerable family members, as there have been reports of transmission among family members," MMDA chair Benhur Abalos says.

Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto will undergo quarantine after his driver "Kuya Vener" passed away due to COVID-19.

In a Facebook Live on Monday morning, Sotto says he was a close contact of his driver but he is following health protocols.

"Don't worry. I am okay, I don't have symptoms," Sotto says in Filipino.

The main office of the Bureau of Immigration in Intramuros, Manila will be closed on Monday and Tuesday for disinfection.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente says the building will undergo a "thorough sanitation and disinfection" following a spike in COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila.

The transacting public are advised to conduct businesses at other Immigration offices in the capital region, such as the SM North satellite office, SM Aura satellite office and others.

MRT-3 management says a cleaning crew caught on video "hastily disinfecting one of our trains" is facing disciplinary action for the breach in protocol.

"We have sternly reminded members of our cleaning and disinfection staff that while there is a need to disinfect all train coaches at speed, the process of disinfection must be focused and done with care," it says in a statement.

"The safety and health of MRT-3 passengers will always be our top concerns as we all adjust to meet the requirements of the new normal."

The Department of the Interior and Local Government recommends uniform curfew hours in Metro Manila as cities in the capital region have varying curfews.

According to a report from GMA's "24 Oras," the DILG will recommend a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew for the entire Metro Manila.

St. Luke's Medical Center, which has hospitals in Quezon City and in Taguig, disputes rumors that hospitals are beyond capacity.

It says that its COVID-19 ICU and wards "still have not reached full capacity" but also says that it has noted an increase in COVID-19 admissions in recent days.

"The cases we are treating remain at manageable levels, ensuring that all out COVID-19 patients will get quality care," it also says.

Manila Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna receives her COVID-19 jab on Tuesday, becoming the first elected official in the country to get authorized vaccine.

Lacuna, a doctor, got inoculated at Sta. Ana Hospital.

"Congratulations sa ating lahat, Mga Batang Maynila! Now, Let The Healing Begin," Lacuna says in a Facebook post.

Pasig's contact tracing app is now interconnected too with Mandaluyong, Mayor Vico Sotto announces.

The interconnectivity of the systems of PasigPass (Pasig), ValTrace (Valenzuela), Bantay Covid (Antipolo) and MandaTrack (Mandaluyong) starts on Monday, March 1.

"Puwede na tayong mag-shopping sa Megamall!" Sotto tweets.

Starting today, you can now use your #PasigPass QR code in Mandaluyong, too!

Puwede na tayong mag-shopping sa Megamall! ????

PasigPass (Pasig)
x
ValTrace (Valenzuela)
x
Bantay Covid (Antipolo)
x
MandaTrack (Mandaluyong)

1 QR code for 4 cities!

watch: https://t.co/YkzwAWq85Y pic.twitter.com/FJD003N1bu

— Vico Sotto (@VicoSotto) February 28, 2021

The reopening of cinemas and similar establishments in Metro Manila will be deferred, according Metro Manila Council Chairman Edwin Olivarez.

Cinemas is Metro Manila will remain closed until all 17 mayors meet in person on Wednesday.

The mayors say they were not consulted on the order of the inter-agency task force on COVID-19 to ease restrictions on leisure establishments. — report from ONE News

Pasay Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano goes on isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.

In a Facebook post, Calixto-Rubiano says she had herself tested after experiencing symptoms of the viral disease.

"Sa pangyayaring ito natin makikita na walang pinipili ang COVID 19 at talagang kailangan natin ang tulong ng pagpapabakuna at pananalangin sa Panginoon upang tuluyan nating mapagtagumapayan ang sakit na ito," she says.

Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, who has been cleared of criminal liability for a quarantine breach last year, was given special treatment by the Department of Health and Department of Justice, Akbayan Youth says in a statement.

The group says the junking of the complaint against Pimentel came as government officials were questioning the supposed special treatment of the University of the Philippines and Polytechnic University of the Philippines for requiring coordination with school authorities for military and police operations in their campuses.

"Nakakahiya (How shameful). What makes the likes of Sen. Koko and Duterte's other minions so special that they are free to abuse their positions and not required to obey our laws? 

"We expected more from our leaders to follow the rules, and even more to implement them fairly," the group says.

The Quezon City government says it is closely monitoring the case of a resident who trested positive for the new COVID-19 variant, which was first detected in the United Kingdom.

City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit says they are doing everything they can to trace and isolate, following the arrival of the patient from Dubai last January 7.

“We have to remain cautious and  vigilant to avert the spread of this new variant. What is important is we take care of the resident, and make sure we don’t sow panic in the community,” Mayor Joy Belmonte says.

Manila prohibits street parties, stage shows, parades, palarong kalye and other similar activities that will draw crowd in the community in Pandacan and Tondo areas for the nnual Feast Day of Sto. Nino on January 16 to 17.

In Executive Order 2, Mayor Isko Moreno says such activities during fiesta regulation, if not regulated, can be an easy medium of COVID-19 spread and transmission.

Selling of liquor and other alcoholic beverages within Pandacan and Tondo will also be banned on the same dates.

Pasig City has ordered 400,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19, Mayor Vico Sotto announces.

He adds, though, that "actual quantity and date of delivery will depend on several factors."

"We'll buy from others too as opportunities arise," he also says.

Many of us LGUs signed a tripartite agreement with AstraZeneca and the national govt yesterday.

Pasig ordered 400K doses (*100M pesos). Actual quantity & date of delivery will depend on several factors.

We'll buy from others too as opportunities arise.https://t.co/iwjrTssqr4

— Vico Sotto (@VicoSotto) January 10, 2021

The government of Quezon City is finalizing discussions for purchasing an initial batch of 750,000 does of COVID-19 vaccines.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte says the procurement will be through a tripartite agreement between the national government, local government unit and the pharmaceutical company.

"The LGU is not authorized to procure... The pharmaceutical company allocates what it can to LGUs that signify intent, with the national government procuring in behalf of the LGU," Belmonte says. —  The STAR/Janvic Mateo

Isinasaayos na ang pagbili at pagkuha ng COVID-19 vaccines mula sa isang international company para sa paunang 750,000 na doses ng mga libreng bakuna para sa mga residente ng lungsod. pic.twitter.com/tjYP6iecHr

— Quezon City Government (@QCGov) January 4, 2021

Nine cities in Metro Manila have seen an increase in their average daily new COVID-19 cases, according to the University of the Philippines' OCTA Research team.

As infection rate in the capital region went up to 1.15, the following cities saw a rise in daily cases: Quezon City, Makati, San Juan, Marikina, Malabon, Taguig, Navotas, Valenzuela and Caloocan.

"Based on the available data, the period of the declining trend in cases observed in the NCR in the pas few months has now ended. The trend has been reversed with significant positive growth in new cases observed in the region," UP-OCTA Research says. — report from ONE News

Valenzuela City will exempt cyclists from the requirement to wear face shields outdoors, Mayor Rex Gatchalian announces.

ADVISORY: Exempted sa pagsusuot ng face shield ang mga nagbibisikleta sa Valenzuela City.

Gayunman, kung magtutungo na sa pampublikong lugar o papasok sa establisyimento, kailangang muling magsuot ng face shield. pic.twitter.com/3mYdEzySqY

— Rex (@rex_gatchalian) December 21, 2020

They will still have to put a face shield on when in crowded areas or indoors, the mayor says.

Pasig City over the weekend announced a similar exemption, saying "evidence shows and consultation among bikers reveals that biking while wearing a face shield is dangerous." 

“Wearing a face shield obstructs view and makes breathing difficult," Pasig Transport also said.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana debunks rumors that the quarantine classification in Metro Manila will be shifted to a stricter status for the holidays.

Lorenzana says the capital region will remain under general community quarantine until yearend. — report from The STAR/Romina Cabrera

Meralco has agreed to extend its no-disconnection policy for its customers who fail to pay their electricity bills until Jan. 31, 2020, according to Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.

This development comes after Velasco wrote a letter to Meralco president Ray Espinosa in November.

Meralco extends its no-disconnection policy, which will benefit more than 3 million customers, following a "careful evaluation and in consideration" of the House leader's request.

Quezon City's local government is set to officially roll out its City Bus Augmentation Program starting Monday, under which the LTFRB will grant provisional authority for public utility buses to ply through eight routes in the city.

The city administration says the program will be open to the public for its initial run, but will eventually require passengers to present the soon-to-be-released QCitizen ID Card. 

It adds that buses will only stop on designated pick-up and drop-off points along routes. —  Franco Luna

The STAR reports Metro Manila's mayors have agreed to ban caroling in their jurisdictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

According to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority general manager Jojo Garcia, the proposal will be forwarded to the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease. 

"All of the OVP staff who were exposed last week tested negative," Vice President Leni Robredo announces on her Twitter account. 

"Thank God!! All the activities today and the succeeding days will proceed as scheduled. Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes. They are very much appreciated," she also says.

Robredo said last Saturday that she would go into self-isolation after finding out she had "very close contact" with a COVID-19 patient.

"Following protocols, we decided to do self quarantine beginning Friday until we get a swab test," she said then.

A recording of President Rodrigo Duterte's meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease will be aired at 8 a.m., according to an advisory from the Palace late Monday night.

Duterte is expected to announce new quarantine classifications for November.

The Manila city government and Quiapo Church have agreed to cancel the grand procession of the image of the Black Nazarene in January 2021 in light of the pandemic.

It is the first time that the procession for the image of the Black Nazarene, where millions of barefoot devotees take part yearly.

Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso says in a statement that public health protocol must prevail over religious traditions because of the threat posed by COVID-19. 

"Nakikisuyo po ako, iwasan po muna natin ang mga parada at prusisyon ngayong may pandemya dulot ng sakit na COVID-19. Maaari pong mapahamak ang ating mga deboto, mailagay sila sa alanganin," Domagoso says.

(I am asking that we avoid parades and processions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our devotees might get sick, they will be at risk) 

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno will raise the capacity at churches and other places of worship to 30% from 10% of seating capacity.

Moreno says in a report by Super Radyo dzBB, the increased seating capacity "on the premise that the leaders of the chruch will continue to practice simple protocol under the IATF rules."

The city of Manila  prohibits the use of karaokes, videokes and other sound-producing devices that may disturb the community from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday.

The city council released the ordinance to support students studying from home.

Violators will be fined P1,000 for first offense, P2,000 for second offense and P3,000 for the third and succeeding offenses.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has ordered the removal of fees from Automated Fare Collection System cards.

This comes within days of the Department of Transportation ordering the "No Beep card, no ride" policy on the EDSA Busway over the collection of P80 per card by service provider AF Payments Inc.

AF Payments had said the cards were being sold for zero profit and were partially subsidized.

The LTFRB says commuters will only have to pay for their fare and not the reloadable cards.

AF Payments Inc. will give away 125,000 Beep cards to the public for free, ONE News reports.

This comes after the Department of Transportation threatened to suspend the use of Beep cards on the EDSA Busway over an 80-peso fee that AFPI collects for the cards.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night said the cards should be free.

The company behind Beep card says it is giving away 125,000 Beep cards to the public for free, after commuters found the card’s P80 purchase free burdensome. pic.twitter.com/MPcYtnq31X

— ONE News PH (@onenewsph) October 6, 2020

ONE News reports said the cost of the cards, which AF Payments last week said is sold at zero profit and is already partially subsidized, will be shouldered by its shareholders "as well as donations from Ayala Infrastructure's various business groups." 

The Department of Transportation says it will suspend implementation of the Beep cards on public utility buses after implementing the project on October 1.

It said the suspension is because of "the refusal of AF Payments, Inc., the provider of the automatic fare collection system (AFCS) at the EDSA Busway, to waive the cost of the beep card despite consistent pleas made by the government."

AF Payments this week said the cards are already sold at no profit and are partially subsidized,

"The EDSA Bus Consortia stated that they will look for another AFCS provider who can offer a better solution to the existing problem. Meeting with other AFCS providers is scheduled on Tuesday morning," DOTr also said.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno says the local government will be conducting regular free mass swab testing for public market vendors, mall employees, mall employees, supermarket employees, hotel staffers, restaurant workers and drivers of public transportation.

Moreno says they will try to reach as many as possible with the help of the new RT-PCR molecular laboratory at Sta. Ana Hospital.

"Gusto namin bigyan ng kapanatagan ang mga Batang Maynila, na ang mga manggagawang nakakahalubilo nila ay mga healthy persons. We need to manage and balance public health and the economy," Moreno says.

MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia says Metro Manila mayors have agreed to close all cemeteries on All Saints' Day as a precaution against the coronavirus.

Garcia adds the mayors will meet Sunday night for the guidelines of the implementation of this decision.

Cemeteries in San Juan City will be closed from October 30 to November 3 as a precaution against COVID-19.

San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora says he signed an executive order for the temporary closure of all public and private cemeteries in the city. All halloween activities will also be banned.

"Ito po ay para sa kabutihan at kaligtasan ng lahat," Zamora says.

MRT-3 will be resuming its operations on Wednesday, August 19, as Metro Manila ends its modified enhanced community quarantine status.

This announcement comes after President Rodrigo Duterte declared that Metro Manila and, Laguna, Rizal and Bulacan will revert to a more relaxed general community quarantine.

MAHALAGANG PAALALA

Balik-operasyon na ang mga tren ng MRT-3 simula bukas, 19 Agosto 2020, matapos i-anunsyo ni Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte na isasailalim muli sa General Community Quarantine (GCQ) ang National Capital Region (NCR). pic.twitter.com/xamUADv6EZ

— DOTr MRT-3 (@dotrmrt3) August 18, 2020

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto announces that the local government passed an ordinance waiving all regulatory fees for private schools until face-to-face classes are allowed.

"We know private schools are having a difficlut time too, and some are in danger of closing. Many of their students can't afford tuition anymore," Sotto says.

The local ordinance also includes extension of scholarship fund to 3,000 indifent private school students.

1. Passed an ordinance waiving ALL regulatory fees for private schools until face-to-face classes are allowed;

2. Extension of Scholarship Fund to 3,000 indigent private school students. the schools will help us identify the beneficiaries.

[Mtg w PAPRISA & our parochial school] pic.twitter.com/gaHQbTwbk0

— Vico Sotto (@VicoSotto) August 16, 2020

The government of Quezon City is considering to place at least 25 villages inder special concern lockdown for being COVID-19 hotspots, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles says.

Nograles, co-chairperson of the inter-agency task force on COVID-19, says they have agreed with Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on a six-step approach to address the pandemic.

"Quezon City has already been doing special concern lockdowns to control transmission," he says in an interview with ANC's "Headstart".

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority announces it will allot P20 million from its 2020 internal income for the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines once available to protect its employees.

“The vaccine will add up to our sustained efforts against COVID-19. Our personnel who are mostly frontliners can be fully secured of their health,” MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim says.

“Our employees' families are as important as they are to us. We want them to be protected, too,” Lim adds.

St. Luke's Medical Center announces that its COVID-19 wards and ICUs in Bonifacio Global City and Quezon City are at full capacity. 

"We would like to request those who require immediate care to seek COVID-related treatment from other healthcare facilities until our hospitals are able to accommodate COVID cases again," it says in a statement posted on Facebook.

Restrictions on transportation during the August 1-18 Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine will be more lenient  than during the previous lockdown, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease says in a press release.

Tricycles will be allowed to ply routes but are limited to just one passenger while pillion riding on motorcycles will be allowed "provided that they have the IATF-approved barrier installed."

Passengers will not be limited to the driver's spouse or partner.

Quezon City reimposes its liquor ban in light of the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine declared over Metro Manila.

Under the ban, selling or distributing alcoholic beverages is prohibited "from August 4, 2020 to August 18, 2020 (or until expiration of the MECQ, if MECQ is further extended)."

Previously, selling of alcoholic beverages was allowed from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with limits on how much alcohol could buy.

Drinking is allowed in private residences.

The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila will be on lockdown for two weeks starting August 3 to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the campus. With this, employees will be adopting a work from home arrangement for the time being.

The university currently has four confirmed cases, two recovered patients and one death among employees with three probable and one suspect cases.

“We are taking this two-week timeout as an extra precaution as we acknowledge the current health situation in our campus, in the City of Manila, and in the country. We are hoping that in our own way, we can prevent further COVID-19 infections within our community,” PLM President Emmanuel Leyco said. 

Coronavirus cases in the Philippines may reach 220,000 by the end of August if Metro Manila remains under general community quarantine, UP Professor Ranjit Rye says.

Now that Metro Manila and nearby provinces will return to modified GCQ, there would be 50,000 to 70,000 cases less, he adds.

Vice President Leni Robredo calls for another batch of volunteers for her team's COVID-19 response operations in Metro Manila.

"MECQ has just been declared. We will be activating most of the services we offered for our frontliners in March and April," Robredo says.

Those who are interested to volunteer may email [email protected] with the following details: name, address, contact number and email address.

As Metro Manila goes under modified enhanced community quarantine, MRT-3 announces that it will suspend its operations from August 4 to 18 or until the capital region will go back to general community quarantine.

"Pinapayuhan ang lahat ng mga commuters na manatili sa kani-kanilang bahay at iwasan ang paglabas ng bahay sapagkat magiging mahigpit na ang seguridad sa iba-ibang lugar," MRT-3 says in a statement.

MAHALAGANG PAALALA:

Dahil sa pagpapanumbalik ng Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) sa Kalakhang Maynila, pansamantala po munang ititigil ang operasyon ng MRT-3 simula Aug. 4, hanggang Aug. 18, o hanggang maibalik muli ang NCR sa GCQ. pic.twitter.com/dn0jveXxYy

— DOTr MRT-3 (@dotrmrt3) August 3, 2020

Going back into lockdown would be a "serious and sweeping decision with equally serious repercussions across the board," Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte says in a statement quoted in media.

She says there is no assurance that a return to the Enhanced Community Quarantine as requested by medical frontliners "will have the effects the frontliners anticipate."

She adds that she hopes the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease would dialogue with medical frontliners "and discuss with them each and every one of their concerns, because it might be possible that their issues, when compartmentalized, can be addressed without having to go back into lockdown."

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious may consider enhanced community quarantines at the barangay level, Rep. Bernadette Herrera (Bagong Henerasyon party-list) says.

She says that the IATF can let Metro Manila's mayors "swiftly impose ECQ for clusters of barangays, city blocks, and buildings with high and medium risk of infection spread based on solid data on confirmed, probable, and suspect cases, as well as specific local conditions that influence disease spread."

"This could be a viable alternative to a Metro Manila-wide ECQ or Modified ECQ. With this approach, we spare the recently-opened small business from ECQ or MECQ shutdown, as well as residential areas which low or zero COVID-19 cases."

The National Task Force, the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic Teams will implement a "strictly localized lockdown" in barangays with high community transmission in NCR and Region IV.

"Also part of the measures are stringent enforcement of minimum health standards; massive targeted testing, intensified tracing, and quarantine of close contacts; isolation of confirmed cases; and strict adherence to Oplan Kalinga implementation," presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

Government hospitals in NCR and Region IV have been directed to increase hospital beds dedicated to COVID-19 patients up to 50% while private hospitals are enjoined to increase up to 30%.

The main office of the Bureau of Immigrations will be closed temporarily on July 27 and 28 "as a precautionary measure" against COVID-19, according to a document acquired by Philstar.com.

The closure was prompted by "the increasing number of employees who tested positive in the rapid antibody-based tests and swab tests."

The note, submitted by Deputy Commissioner Aldrin Alegre and approved by Commissioner Jaime Morente, also recommended monthly rapid tests all immigration employees.

The Presidential Communications Operations Office will suspend its work on July 21 as safety precaution after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.

In a bulletin, the PCOO Undersecretary Marvin Gatpayat said the New Executive Building at Malacañang Palace Compound will be disinfected and swab testing will be conducted for primary and secondary contacts.

The PCOO will resume work on July 27 in time for President Rodrigo Duterte's fifth State of the Nation Address.

St. Luke's Medical Center on Monday announces that both of its hospitals in Quezon City and Bonifacio Global City (Taguig) have reached full capacity in all intensive care units for COVID-19 patients.

The hospital says its critical care beds in the emergency room, as well as COVID-19 wards in both hospitals, are also full.

"In this regard, we encourage COVID patients, including suspect and probable cases, to temporarily seek treatment from other healthcare facilities for the time being," SLMC says in a statement.

Metro Manila will remain under General Community Quarantine for two more weeks, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque says.

He says the National Capital Region was initially supposed to return to Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine as recommended by UP researchers but local mayors had said they would be able to respond to possible increases in cases in their areas.

Government should enter service contracting with public transportation operators to provide more buses, jeeps and other modes of transport for Metro Manila's workers and commuters, Sen. Risa Hontiveros says.

"Commuting continues to be difficult and many drivers still don't have a source of livelihood. That isn't what the 'new normal' should be," she says in Filipino.

"Government should engage the public transport sector via service contracting to enable the speedy and safe return of jeeps and buses to our streets."

Service contracting means the government will operators to ply routes regardless of how many passengers they ferry.

Hontiveros says service contracting should also be done in other areas under General Community Quarantine.

The Quezon City Legislative building will be temporarily closed from July 15 to July 19 after three city councilors and some office staff test positive for COVID-19.

The closure may last longer if the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit needs more time for testing and containment measures.

"The CESU will conduct exhaustive contact tracing as appropriate and follow-up testing as necessary," the QC government says.

Makati Medical City declares full capacity following of a review of its bed utilization and manpower.

The hospital says it has attended to thousands of suspected COVID-19 patients since its outbreak in February when it had to increase physical and manpower resources to accommodate more patients.

"Much as we would want to extend the same degree of care and attention to any additional admission for COVID-19, MMC has reached its threshold in capacity to respond to more COVID-19 patients," the hospital says in a statement. 

St. Luke's Medical Center announces that both its hospitals in Quezon City and Taguig City have reached full capacity of allocated COVID-19 beds in the intensive care unit.

The hospital asks the public to consider bringing critically ill COVID-19 patients to other hospitals.

"Both hospitals remain open to accommodate admissions and treatment of non-COVID19 cases, including outpatient procedures," SLMC says in a statement.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Wednesday announces that she tested positive for COVID-19.

In a statement posted on the Facebook page the Quezon City government, Belmonte says she might have gotten he virus from visiting health centers and hospitals, special concern lockdown areas and communities in the city.

"Nangyari po ito sa kabila ng aking ibayong pag-iingat, pagsusuot ng facemask, madalas na paghugas ng kamay at social distancing," Belmonte says.

CNN Philippines goes off the air temporarily as its Mandaluyong office is disinfected, the station's staff announce.

A member of the network's utility staff tested positive for COVID-19, prompting the disinfection.

The MRT-3 will suspend its operations from Tuesday, July 7, the Department of Transportation announces.

"The temporary shutdown will be undertaken to give way to RT-PCR (swab) testing of all MRT-3 personnel, including those of its maintenance provider and subcontractors, to prevent further spread of the disease, and, most importantly, to protect the health and safety of both its personnel and commuters," it says.

The suspension of operations will be until July 11, although the MRT-3 management says the shutdown may last "until RT-PCR testing confirms a sufficient number of COVID-19 negative personnel to enable resumption of at least limited operations." 

"To help ferry commuters, the MRT-3 Bus Augmentation Program will continue with 90 buses and fixed dispatching interval of every 3 minutes. In addition, 150 buses will be deployed for the EDSA Busway service, carrying passengers between Monumento and the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITx)," it also says.

The MRT-3 on Monday deploys a fewer number of trains as more MRT personnel tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Up to 186 MRT personnel have tested positive for the virus as of Sunday 6 p.m.

As of 8:10 a.m., the MRT- said it has 10 to 11 trains running, down from last week's 16 to 19 trains.

MRT personnel who have contracted the virus have been admitted to government quarantine facilities in the World Trade Center, Philippine Arena and PhilSports Arena.

There have been 172 MRT-3 personnel who have tested positive for COVID-19, The STAR reports, quoting a statement by the train line's management.

Of those infected, 166 are personnel from the North Avenue station. Among those who tested positive were ticket sellers, a station nurse, and a train driver.

Southville III in Barangay Poblacion in Muntinlupa City will be on a 24-hour curfew until July 15 because of an increase in COVID-19 cases there.

According to a barangay resolution announcing the curfew, there are now 27 confirmed cases in Southville III.

The 24-hour curfew means only the following residents are allowed to leave their homes:

• Emergency cases
• People with quarantine passes going out for essential goods and medicine
• Those going to work in industries operating under GCQ
• Other Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APORs)

The following barangays in Quezon City are considered at high-risk areas — those with 10 or more active cases per 10,000 persons — according to a June 26 analysis by the city government. The classification is based on risk zoning criteria from the  Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

District 1

San Jose
Santa Cruz
Salvacion
Maharlika
Bungad
NS Amoranto

District 3

Libis
E Rodriguez

District 4

Kalusugan 
Kristong Hari 
San Martin de Porres
Mariana 
Obrero
Central
Horseshoe
Kaunlaran

District 6

Apolonio Samson
Sangandaan 
New Era
Balong Bato

Follow this thread for updates on COVID-19 risk levels, safety measures, and data from Metro Manila's local government units.

Photo: The STAR/Michael Varcas