The Metro Manila Council (MMC) has agreed to implement uniform curfew in the National Capital Region starting Monday, March 15, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos Jr. said on Thursday, March 11.

Some cities in Metro Manila however, have already imposed different curfew hours earlier, anew to curb COVID-19 infections as the capital region continued to record an increase in active cases in the past few weeks.

Abalos in a press briefing, said the 17 Metro Manila mayors have agreed to implement the curfew hours, which would run from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for two weeks.

The MMDA chairman also said that the curfew would be lifted once there the number of COVID-19 cases decreased during the 14 days.

Albeit Abalos noted that essential workers are exempted from the curfew. However they have to present their company ID should they be reprimanded by authorities.

Abalos also called on the people to strictly follow health protocols, and for authorities to strictly enforce them.

Meanwhile, presidential spokesman Harry Roque admitted that contact tracing remains the country’s weakest response in the fight against COVID-19.

“We really need to conduct tracing, not just close contacts, but beyond 30 plus contacts…Our numbers are still low, especially here in Metro Manila.  It is really an area we need to focus on,” he said.

Aside from the curfew hours, the MMC also agreed to intensify contact tracing, testing, health protocols, and granular lockdowns must be implemented.

Meanwhile, fast foods and restaurants will be allowed to operate for 24 hours, but dine-ins will be prohibited during the implementation of curfew hours.

Abalos also said that transportation operations will continue during the curfew.

The fines that will be imposed on violators will also depend on the ordinances that will be passed by local government units.

The MMDA and the Philippine National Police will also deploy around 300 contact tracers to different local governments in NCR to assist with contact tracing.