NCR Plus under MECQ until Aug 18 as COVID cases surge

Metro Manila and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal were placed under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) from August 4 to 18, following a request from healthcare workers for a "timeout" due to rising COVID-19 cases.

Individuals below 21 years old, those 60 and above, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women are mandated to stay at home, with movement restricted to essential activities.

Quarantine passes will be reimplemented, and local government units are required to impose localized lockdowns and isolate COVID-19 patients.

Several sectors, including banks, money transfer services, water supply and sanitation facilities, and media establishments, are allowed to operate at full capacity.

Mass gatherings, backriding, domestic flights, inter-island travel, and public transportation remain strictly prohibited.

Outdoor exercises are permitted, but religious activities are limited to a maximum of five participants.

Face-to-face classes at all educational levels are suspended.