[UPDATED] Malls Announce Shortened Hours During NCR Community Quarantine
This story has been updated.
Last update: 03/14/2020, 9:22 p.m.
In a press conference livestreamed today, March 14, on the CNN Philippines Facebook page, the Metro Manila Council, which consists of cabinet secretaries, and heads of the MMDA, PNP, announced further guidelines regarding the implementation of the 30-day Metro Manila Community Quarantine, declared by President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, March 12.
During the press con, MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia announced that they will be implementing a curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for non-essential travel. This includes strolling, and going to family gatherings, activities "you can do after 30 days."
However, according to GMA News, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya later clarified that “curfew implementation is dependent on local ordinances to be approved by each LGU.”
“The legal basis for the curfew are the ordinances and the mayors agreed to issue these on Monday. So Monday ito," says Malaya, GMA News reports.
"The only way to stop this [virus] is to limit the movement of the people carrying this," Garcia says.
Exceptions to the curfew, classified as 'essential travel' are limited to the following:
- those going to work (since there is no work suspension)
- those seeking medical attention
- those buying essential goods
- those performing an official function such as government officials and healthcare professionals
Filipinos were reminded, however, that social distancing must be practiced at all times.
Essential goods will still be allowed entry in Metro Manila, as long as buses and trucks pass the necessary checkpoints.
Watch the video below:
Mall schedules
Groceries, banks, and drugstores are to remain open during their regular hours.
SM Supermalls has announced shortened mall hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. beginning March 15.
Robinsons Malls will be closing their malls at 7 p.m. starting today, March 14.
Ayala Malls has announced early closing hours today. Their cinemas will also be closed beginning tomorrow, March 15.
Meanwhile, Commercenter Alabang will be temporarily closing its doors during the 30-day quarantine.
Stay tuned for more updates.
*This is a developing story.
