METRO MANILA LOCKDOWN: NCR Community Quarantine Guidelines for the Management of COVID-19

Many have been asking me: "If I have an international flight at NAIA during the Metro Manila/NCR lockdown or community quarantine, will I be allowed to go to the airport in Manila?"

Please refer to the memorandum issued by the Executive Secretary on the "Stringent social distancing measures and further guidelines for the management of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation" below.

The community quarantine in Metro Manila or the National Capital Region took effect last March 15, 2020 and will last until April 14, 2020. In a memorandum released to the public by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Saturday, all heads of local government units, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, and other government agencies are directed to implement the guidelines on “social distancing measures” in the National Capital Region (Metro Manila) for 30 days.

Under the guidelines issued, "General community quarantine" was defined as "a condition where movement of people shall be limited to accessing basic necessities and work; and uniformed personnel and quarantine officers shall be present at border points."

The guidelines also states that land, domestic air, and domestic sea travel to and from Metro Manila or NCR shall be restricted until April 14, 2020.

If you are working in Metro Manila but resides outside of NCR, you will be provisionally be allowed to travel to Metro Manila provided you show proof of employment at the checkpoints.

All classes in all levels in Metro Manila is SUSPENDED until April 12, 2020. All students should remain in their respective homes for the said duration

If you have international flights at NAIA but you are residing outside NCR, you will be allowed to “transit through Metro Manila” to go to the airport. Under the guidelines, “All departing passengers will be allowed transit through NCR. Provided, that proof of confirmed international travel itinerary scheduled within twelve (12) hours from entry should be presented at checkpoints.”

Traveling to countries where travel restrictions are in place is still NOT ALLOWED.

UPDATE: As of March 17, 2020, the entire Luzon is now on Enhanced Community Quarantine. Mass public transport facilities are suspended. Land, air and sea travel are restricted. Outbound passengers intending to depart the Philippines from any of the international airports in Luzon shall be allowed to travel for a period of seventy-two (72) hours from effectivity of the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

Balik Manggagawa Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) traveling abroad shall be allowed to travel to mainland China, except to Hubei Province, upon execution of a Declaration signifying their knowledge and understanding of the risks involved. In all cases, the DOLE shall issue a health advisory guide to the OFWs upon departure.

Inbound travelers from Italy and Iran are required to present a medical certificate issued by competent medical authorities within 48 hours immediately preceding departure, signifying that the traveler has tested negative for COVID-19. Provided, that this provision shall not apply to Filipino citizens including their foreign spouse and children. If any, holders of Permanent Resident Visa, and holders of Diplomat Visas issued by the Philippine Government. All previous travel restrictions issued by the IATF shall remain in effect.

UPDATE: The 72-hour travel ban has been lifted. The Inter Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases has lifted the ban on international flights flying in and out of the NAIA. All persons, regardless of nationality, EXCEPT for Filipino TOURIST, may now fly out of the country at any time.

• Inbound international passengers are allowed entry, subject to strict immigration and quarantine protocols.
• For passengers from Italy and Iran, it was agreed that the medical certificates of good health required should be validated by their respective embassies.
• Sweeper flights for foreign nationals to bring them to airports will be allowed to continue operations.
• Only one (1) person is allowed to bring a passenger to the airport and he/she must depart immediately after dropping off said person. The driver should carry with him/her a copy of the airline ticket of the passenger as proof of conveyance.
• Affected passengers should await for official word or contact their respective air carriers on resumption of their flights.

UPDATE AS OF MARCH 19, 2020

ALSO READ: How to REFUND or REBOOK your Flight Bookings with CEBU PACIFIC AIR?

You may read the complete Metro Manila Community Quarantine Guidelines below:

PLEASE. Let’s cooperate and do our part.

It's the civic and moral duty of everyone, to take part in this global effort to reduce this threat to humanity.

Stay safe and healthy everyone!