Manila eases its coronavirus lockdown, for anyone still brave enough to go out

Malls are opening and liquor is back on the menu for some, but transport to remain shut as the Philippine capital takes step back to normality

But after two months of staying at home, many residents say they remain unwilling to take their chances in the outside world

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Covid-19 testing in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila. Photo: EPA

Published: 8:30pm, 15 May 2020Updated: 8:35pm, 15 May 2020

Coronavirus lockdown measures are about to ease in Metro Manila, but after two months of staying at home many residents are sceptical about whether it is safe to let their guard down.

Under the “Enhanced Community Quarantine” announced by President Rodrigo Duterte in March, residents in the Philippine capital were banned from leaving their homes except for necessary work and health requirements, such as shopping for food, and all non-essential shops and businesses were ordered to close. Liquor sales were also banned.

But from Saturday, as the measures are moved to a Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine, or MECQ, malls will reopen along with shops offering “essential” and “non-leisure” goods and services. Public transport will remain shut across the metropolis, while the ban on liquor sales will be lifted in Quezon City and Pasay City (with purchases limited to six bottles per person per day).

The government has described the MECQ measures as the second of five steps to re-open the country, to be followed by a General Community Quarantine, a Modified General Community Quarantine and finally the “New Normal”.

Under the MECQ, minors (anyone below 18) and seniors (anyone above 60) remain banned from leaving their homes unless they are the only one in the household able to do so, as is anyone with health problems, regardless of their age.

However, even many of those who are allowed back out say they remain cautious about leaving their homes.