Reiterating a previous Cabinet meeting presided by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea held on August 1, 2020, the Palace confirms that the National Task Force Against COVID-19 (NTF), along with some members of the Cabinet, approved last night, August 18, in consultation with the local chief executives, the following transition protocols in Metro Manila, starting August 19, 2020.

1. Mass gatherings of more than ten (10) persons remain prohibited.

2. Establishments offering personal care and aesthetic procedures and services (outside salons and barbershops), gyms/fitness studios and sports facilities, testing and tutorial centers, review centers, internet cafes, drive-in cinemas, pet grooming services remain closed following the principle of gradual reopening from MECQ to GCQ.

3. Dine-in restaurants, salons and barbershops and all their services, except full body massages, are allowed.  The local government unit (LGU) where the establishments are located would determine the capacity.

4. The imposition of curfew hours would be unified from 8PM to 5AM. Except for Manila, Muntinlupa and Pasig, for the time being, which currently impose their localized curfew hours. Manila, Muntinlupa and Pasig local governments, however, agreed to align the curfew hours of 8:00pm-5:00am within the week.

5. The enforcement of quarantine passes would be the discretion of the local chief executives.

6. For motorcycle backriding under GCQ, riders living in the same house, there is no need for motorcycle barrier.   For riders not living in the same house, there must be an Angkas designed barrier.   Also, the backrider must be an Authorized Person Outside Residence (APOR), while the driver may or may not be an APOR. Motorcycle must be privately owned and not for hire and both riders should have face masks and full-face helmets that must be worn at all times while back riding.

7. Face shields, apart from face masks, are required in commercial places, workplaces (indoor) and public transport.