MANILA – The granular lockdown, which will be pilot-tested in certain areas of Metro Manila beginning Wednesday, would have four levels that identify the activities permitted.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said in an interview on Sunday that the pilot testing would last until September 30 and would be evaluated every two weeks.
“Titingnan natin kung gaano ito ka-effective. Ia-assess natin ito then pagka nakita natin (We will assess how effective this is), then it would be recommended for adoption, for approval by the President by end of the month,” Año said.
Only specific areas designated as high risk for the coronavirus, such as barangays, streets, or subdivisions, will be placed under granular lockdown, as opposed to community quarantines imposed for an entire region or province, he added.
Alert Level 4 is the strictest, with no one allowed to leave their houses except healthcare workers.
“Yung all the rest, wala nang APOR dyan bawal na talaga lahat. Kung may establishment na napasok sa loob ng street na ‘yan o kaya nung block na ‘yan, stop din ‘yun,” Año said.
Año stated that in Alert Level 3, just 30% of residents would be permitted to go out, while 50% would be permitted under Level 2.
Under the new normal, Alert Level 1 would have the least restriction.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar had issued directives to Metro Manila police commanders for the granular lockdown pilot trial.
Granular lockdowns have already been imposed by some local government units in the National Capital Region.
According to PNP data, 51 barangays in Metro Manila are currently under granular lockdown.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Metro Manila will be under general community quarantine from Sept. 8 to 30.
