Look: Traffic Along EDSA Is Back on First Day of MECQ

Metro Manila has shifted to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) today, May 16, after two months of strict measures under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). Most industries have been allowed to partially resume operations; and it seems people can't wait to go out and shop again as malls, clothing shops, bookstores, baby care supplies stores, pet care stores, hardware stores, and other supply stores reopen on the first weekend of MECQ. This morning's scenes along EDSA make it look like everything's back to normal, including the dreaded traffic along the major thoroughfare.

Private cars and motorcyles occupy all southbound lanes on the corner of EDSA and Boni Avenue. Vehicles line up to get through the checkpoint.

Under MECQ, private cars are allowed to go out.

With the manufacturing industry now fully operational, cargo and delivery trucks are also plying the highway.

Public transportation is yet to resume operations, but there's no stopping private cars from going out. The Department of Transportation announced that only two people in each row are allowed per vehicle. People can also use their bikes and motorcycles as long as only one person is riding these two-wheeled vehicles. These rules apply until May 31 or until MECQ is lifted.

Aside from Metro Manila, Laguna, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Zambales, and Angeles City are also under MECQ. Cebu City and Mandaue City, on the other hand, maintain their ECQ status.

Photos by Jerome Ascano