A Grab rider delivering a bowl of lugaw was questioned at a checkpoint and went viral, raising an important question that got a prompt reply: food deliveries are allowed 24/7.
In the clip, the person in authority asked the rider to justify why lugaw, that Filipino comfort food of rice porridge with eggs and/or meat, should be considered essential. Only essentials are allowed for delivery during the 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that lugaw and all food items for that matter, are considered essential and could be delivered round the clock.
Subject to the availability of restaurants, Grab and Foodpanda said they would deliver round the clock during the ECQ, which also concides with Holy Week. Lazada, Shopee and Ninjavan also said their couriers would work through the lockdown, just be patient with possible delays.
ECQ NEWS YOU CAN USE:
These Businesses are Open During the 2021 ECQ
LIST: Public, Private Transportation Allowed During ECQ 2021
Here's Your APOR, Checkpoint, and Curfew Guide for 2021 ECQ
The ECQ that is set until April 4 is meant to arrest a worrying surge in coronavirus infections. Unlike last year's ECQ however, public transportation, limited on-site work and food deliveries are allowed, resulting to some confusion.
The Inter-Agency task Force on COVID-19 will decide over the weekend whether or not the lockdown will be extended.
COVID SURGE AND ECQ, EXPLAINED:
Visualizing the COVID Surge: How Many Can Fit in a Sports Arena?
Confused with ECQ Season 2? Here are Some Clarifications
If Your Doctor Advises COVID Home Care, Here's How to Do It
By late Wednesday, as millions in geared for the Holy Week, compounded by the lockdown in Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Bulacan, Lugaw and #LugawIsEssential were trending on Twitter.
Even Grab joined in the fun.
