INQUIRER.net file photo
MANILA, Philippines — Tollways operators reported light traffic expressways linking Metro Manila to the northern and southern provinces on Maundy Thursday amid the reimposition of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and curfew hours due to the COVID-19 surge.
Live monitoring feeds from the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) showed light traffic at the Balintawak Toll Plaza in Quezon City, the Mindanao Avenue entry point and the Smart Connect Interchange in Valenzuela, and the Bocaue Toll Plaza.
The same situation was observed at the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), where motorists sparingly used the toll system’s Floridablanca, Dinalupihan, Tarlac, and Tipo exits.
Meanwhile, traffic on both lanes of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) also remains light, especially over the Alabang Viaduct, Ayala Toll Plaza, and the Calamba Toll Plaza.
The same situation was observed at Skyway Stage 3 that links NLEx to the elevated highway above SLEx, although the Skyway management reminded motorists that it would be closed every 10pm to 5am until Sunday.
Other highways like the Naia Expressway and the Cavite-Laguna Expressway have likewise reported light traffic conditions.
Skyway Stage 3 NB/SB Traffic Update as of 9:35 PM: Buendia – Balintawak: Light.
— SKYWAY SOMCO (@SkywaySOMCO) April 1, 2021
The surge in COVID-19 cases prompted the national government to place Metro Manila, Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite, and Rizal — areas where these expressways are located — back under the under ECQ until Easter Sunday, April 4.
With the ECQ in the affected areas, or the so-called NCR Plus bubble, only essential activities are permitted by the government, which means the traditional pilgrimages, vacations and trips had to be set deferred.
This marks the second year that Holy Week solemnities and other activities were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The government has also imposed a 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew to limit COVID-19 transmissions.
As of Thursday, the Philippines has over 138,000 active COVID-19 infections after 8,920 new cases were added to the tally.