Previously issued quarantine passes can still be used in modified enhanced community quarantine areas if local government units have not yet issued new ones, an official said on Tuesday.
While existing quarantine passes are valid, one person per household is allowed to leave the home and the quarantine pass is valid only in the locality, said Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, who heads Joint Task Force COVID shield. Checkpoints will be in place, and residents should only purchase essentials from their barangay or city.
“Pwede po ‘yon, habang hindi pa nag-iissue ng bago ang ating mga LGU or barangay. (It is allowed while a new one has not yet been issued by LGUs or barangays)," Eleazar told Teleradyo, when asked if old passes were valid.
Those going out for work in businesses allowed to operate under MECQ can leave their homes without a quarantine pass. They only need IDs and certificates of employment to cross city borders, he said.
Essential travels cover the trip going to work, the trip going back home, or if the trip itself is considered the work, he said
Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, and Bulacan are under MECQ until Aug. 18. Under the stricter quarantine, residents must stay at home and only go out for essential goods and services. Mass transportation is suspended and business allowed to open can operate on limited capacity.
The shift back to MECQ came after health workers called for a “timeout,” as the increasing number of COVID-19 cases daily was overwhelming the country’s health system.
