Zambales placed under GCQ with heightened restrictions; swab test required for travelers

Zambales was placed under a general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions starting August 21, Saturday due to the spike in COVID-19 cases.

In GTV's News Live report, Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. issued an executive order that placed the whole province under the stricter classification of lockdown until further notice.

Also, under his order, curfew hours from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. will be enforced, while COVID-19 swab tests will be mandatory for inbound travelers.

As of Saturday, Zambales registered 656 active COVID-19 cases, while 56,388 people in the province were already vaccinated.

In a previous briefing, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said that the following activities were allowed during a GCQ with heightened restrictions:

• Personal care services operate at 30% as long as they are not requiring mask removal but if the establishment has a Safety Seal, they may operate an additional 10% capacity.
• Outdoor tourist attractions are allowed in GCQ with heightened restrictions but only for 30% capacity.
• Staycation hotels are allowed to operate for up to 100% venue capacity while other DOT-accredited establishments may operate at 30% capacity. There are no age restrictions for staycations.
• Indoor dining is allowed for 20% while outdoor dining is allowed for 50%. Indoor dining may increase by 10% capacity if the establishment has Safety Seal.
• Also, lottery and horse racing with off-track betting stations are temporarily allowed.
• Non-contact sports are also allowed.

— DVM, GMA News