Enhanced Community Quarantine enforced over Luzon, Philippines (as of 21 March 2020)
 
 
On 16 March 2020, the Philippine government placed the entire island of Luzon, which includes Metro Manila, under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) status due to the COVID-19 situation.  The ECQ status will be up to end of 12 April 2020 but is being monitored on a day-to-day basis.
 
Under this scheme, the following are being implemented:
 
1.     Strict home confinement in all households, 
2.     Except those involved in essential and critical sectors, there is work suspension in the public and private sectors, 
3.     Suspension of transportation lines, 
4.     Regulation of provision for food and essential health services, and
5.     Heightened presence of uniformed personnel to enforce isolation procedures. 
 
Nevertheless, the movement of cargoes to and from the Philippines shall remain unhampered although delays may be expected as strict quarantine measures are being implemented. Luzon ports shall continue to be open to cargo ships. Embarkation or disembarkation of crew is not permitted as a general rule except in the case of Filipino seafarers joining or disembarking the vessel, subject to the requirements imposed by the government. 
 
The international airports in Luzon remain open but travel is restricted.  Overseas Filipino workers (including seafarers) are still allowed international travel subject to presentation of documents.  They are also allowed to be repatriated through Luzon airports although a challenge they may face is leaving Metro Manila/Luzon island should their final destination be somewhere else.  Just recently, foreigners are temporarily not allowed to enter the Philippines until further notice subject to limited exceptions.
 
Considering that offices in Metro Manila/Luzon are closed, the challenge is in the actual deployment of Filipino seafarers.  Because of the ECQ, and in heeding the call of the government, some manning agents have temporarily suspended office operations and implemented work from home schemes. PEME clinics have likewise suspended operations.  Logistical difficulties may also be encountered because of closure of businesses.
 
It should also be noted that other parts of the Philippines not covered by the ECQ have implemented quarantine measures depending on their situation.
 
For seafarers that will be repatriated due to medical reasons, post-employment medical clinics have also implemented measures in compliance with the ECQ due to the COVID-19.  We have established direct contact with the doctors to ensure that the seafarers will be provided medical care/advice based on their current condition.   For those already undergoing treatment with the doctors, it is likely that that out-patient consultations will be delayed due to the ECQ being enforced.

This extraordinary time has resulted in a disruption in the maritime industry.  The Philippine government is dealing with the situation as it arises and regulations are sent out to address this.  We are closely monitoring the fluid situation and will provide updates should there be further changes.


 
References:
 
- PROCLAMATION NO. 922; 8 March 2020 
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2020/02feb/20200308-PROC-922-RRD-1.pdf
- MARINA ADVISORY NO. 2020-14; 13 March 2020
https://marina.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/MARNA-Advisory-No.-2020-14.pdf
- DOTR TASK GROUP GUIDELINES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOTR) FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASE
https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/DOTr-Guidelines-re-Com-Quarantine_20200314164704.pdf
- MEMORANDUM FROM THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY; 16 March 2020
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2020/03mar/20200316-MEMORANDUM-FROM-ES-RRD.pdf
- PROCLAMATION NO. 929; 16 March 2020
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2020/03mar/20200316-PROC-929-RRD.pdf
- PPA MC 10-2020; 17 March 2020
https://www.ppa.com.ph/sites/default/files/issuances_docs/PPA%20MC%2010-2020.pdf
- POEA MC 07-2020; 18 March 2020
https://www.ppa.com.ph/sites/default/files/issuances_docs/PPA%20MC%2010-2020.pdf

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