PAMPANGA will formally transition Saturday, May 16, into the general community quarantine (GCQ) after the national Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) denied provincial government request to be placed under “modified” enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

This was confirmed by Pampanga Police Chief Colonel Jean Fajardo in a briefing with local officials Friday.

Pampanga and Bulacan officials made the appeal amid concerns that the sudden relaxation of quarantine measures could increase the number of novel coronavirus infections.

Pampanga towns have been scrambling on Friday to prep all possible measures for the GCQ implementation that will see to the restoration of community transports systems in a reduced and regulated capacity.

Under GCQ, elderly and persons below 21 years old who may serve as transmitters are not allowed to go out. There will also be a loosening of restrictions for exercise and sports activities. Limited contact sports is allowed such as golf and tennis

Gathering of maximum of 10 persons will be allowed but with strict social distancing measures.

Other rules under GCQ include:

1. Public transport may resume provided that strict social distancing is being observed (i.e. rail transit, bus, jeepney, taxi, TNVS, tricycle)

2. Use of bicycle, motorcycle and E-scooters for transportation are allowed

3. Traveling from one place under GCQ to another place under GCQ is allowed provided that safety protocols are observed

4. Schools may activate skeletal workforce limited for the process of requirements from students and for preparation of graduation and upcoming school opening

5. Alternative work arrangements for government employees; possible 4-day work week

6. Private and Public construction projects are allowed to resume provided that mandated safety measures are observed

7. Manufacturing of alcoholic beverages, electrical machinery, wood products (furniture), non-metallic products, textile/ wearing apparels, tobacco products, paper, rubber and plastic products, electrical equipment, transport and motor vehicle equipment are allowed to resume

8. Industries involving cement steel, mining and quarrying, electronic commerce companies, postal courier and delivery services, export oriented companies and real estate activities is allowed

9. Repair of computers and personal and household goods are allowed

10. Housing service activities are allowed

11. Office administrative and office support are allowed

12. Special purpose accommodation for healthcare workers, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW), worker in permitted sectors, and non-OFWs in hotels are allowed with mandated quarantine

13. Veterinary clinics are allowed to operate

14. Advertising and market research, computer programming, publishing and printing activities, film, music and TV production, wholesale, retail trade and repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and bicycle including parts and components, rental and leasing and Employment activities i.e. recruitment and placement for permitted sectors are allowed

15. barber shops and salons are not allowed to operate

16. Malls and commercial centers, hardware stores, clothing and accessories, mall-based- government frontline services, bookstores and school and office supplies stores, baby care supplies store, pet food and pet care supply stores, IT, communications and electronic equipment stores, flower, jewelry, novelty, antique and perfume shops; toy store are allowed to operate with 50 percent workforce

17. Prohibition in dining in at restaurants still under review

18. Gym/ fitness studio and sports facilities; entertainment industries; kids amusement industries; libraries, archives, museums and cultural centers; tourist destinations; travel agencies, tour operators, reservation services and other related activities; personal care service i.e. massage parlors, sauna, facial care and waxing should remain closed.