QUEZON CITY, MANILA — While Metro Manila has lifted its curfew hours beginning Thursday, minors are still prohibited to loiter in public places from 10 PM to 5 AM in Quezon City (QC).

QC Mayor Joy Belmonte signed a memorandum containing updated guidelines for the Alert Level 3 in the National Capital Region and some nearby provinces.

“In compliance with the Metro Manila Council Resolution released on November 3, 2021, the enforcement of public safety hours shall hereby be suspended. However, minors are still prohibited from loitering in public places during the disciplinary hours of 10 PM to 5 AM under Ordinance No. SP-2301s.2014,” the guidelines read.

Belmonte said persons below 18 years old and those above 65 years old, including pregnant women, are still encouraged to stay at home “as much as possible.”

Minors and the elderlies, however, may leave home for essential reasons like buying food and medicines, medical checkups, vaccination purposes, and other important appointments, the Mayor added.

Moreover, fully vaccinated seniors may leave home even for leisure reasons, provided that they present their vaccine card prior. 

As stated in the guidelines, minors may also travel around the city only if accompanied by an adult guardian, taking effect on Thursday.

The city government also announced the reopening of designated child-friendly zones where minor children may go with their parents or guardians to play.

“Quezon Memorial Circle, the Ninoy Aquino Parks & Wildlife Center, and the La Mesa Ecopark are hereby designated as Child-Friendly Safe Zones where minors shall be allowed to engage in play or outdoor exercise, as long as they are accompanied by a fully-vaccinated adult guardian,” the guidelines read.

Minimum health protocols, including wearing masks, physical distancing, and regular disinfection of high-touch areas, will remain strictly enforced as the maximum capacity for public transportation including jeepneys, buses, taxis, and the like has been raised 70 percent.

QC has also increased the allowed capacity of tricycles to three passengers, specifically up to two persons in the cab or sidecar and one back-rider.

Under the updated guidelines, e-trikes and similar vehicles shall have a maximum capacity of 70 percent, provided that passengers must have both face masks and face shields.

For safety reasons, the driver should have a face mask but need not wear a face shield.

Despite the easing of restrictions, the city government said contact sports, whether indoor or outdoor, except under a bubble-type concept approved by an appropriate sports governing body are still not allowed in the city.

Listed below are the other activities that are still prohibited in the city: 

• Funfairs or “perya” and other kid amusement industries;
• Venues with live voice or wind-instrument performers and audiences; and
• Cockfighting and the operation of cockpits

However, the city government clarified that live performances by disc jockeys and performances of stringed instruments such as guitars with no singing shall be allowed. – WhatALife.ph

Source: (1)

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