General community quarantine, explained

Beginning May 1, only areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases will remain under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). Regions, provinces and areas that have a low to moderate risk of infection will be placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) instead.

On Apr. 28, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque held a virtual presser to explain the guidelines of the GCQ. Here’s what that form of quarantine means:

What does a General Community Quarantine entail?

A general community quarantine is a form of quarantine that has more relaxed lockdown measures. The GCQ is considered the “new normal” for the country, with businesses and establishments, essential services and construction work will be allowed to operate provided that they continue practicing social distancing protocols.

Malls and commercial centers, government offices and legal services, e-commerce businesses as well as repair and maintenance services are some of the establishments that will be allowed to operate again under GCQ.

[READ: “Bukas na ba?” A list of services and sectors allowed under GCQ]

Although malls will be allowed to reopen, they will continue to limit the number of shoppers entering, while implementing mandatory temperature checks and the use of masks and alcohol. Roque also advised the removal of free wifi and for air conditioning in malls to be set at 26 degrees, to prevent people from loitering.

Public movement in areas under GCQ will be less limited. Non-workers between the ages of 21 to 59 will now be allowed to avail of essential services, provided that they bring an ID that reflects their age. Children and people with pre-existing health risks will be required to stay home.

Additionally, public transport will be allowed to operate on a limited capacity. As of writing, the Inter-Agency Task Force is eyeing the resumption of operations for buses and trains with the number of passengers limited to only 30 percent of its original capacity.

[READ: Expect longer commutes after ECQ as gov’t eyes 30% passenger capacity for bus and trains]

What restrictions remain?

Despite relaxed lockdown measures, leisure establishments such as fitness studios, libraries, museums and travel agencies will remain closed. Establishments with gambling and betting activities will also remain closed.

Certain activities are also barred in GCQ areas. These include entertainment-related activities such as concerts, festivals and carnivals; and business-related gatherings such as trade shows, conferences, conventions and workshops.

Schools in areas covered by the GCQ will also remain closed until September 2020, except for online learning measures approved by the Department of Education. Higher education institutions will be allowed to operate with a skeletal workforce in order to issue credentials to students and prepare for online classes in the next school year.

Which areas are covered?

A general community quarantine is a form of quarantine that has more relaxed lockdown measures. This will be enacted in areas that are deemed low risk, with a chance of quarantine measures being lifted if infections in the area continue to decline: