DOTr announces flights that are exempted during community quarantine in MM

MANILA, Philippines — Cargo, government/military and utility flights are among those exempted during the period where Metro Manila is placed under “community quarantine” to combat the spread of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Saturday.

In the guidelines released by the DOTr, all domestic flights will cease operations in the community quarantine area.

But cargo flights, air ambulance and medical supplies, government/military flights, weather mitigation flights and maintenance and utility flights may continue with their operations, the DOTr added.

President Rodrigo Duterte had previously placed “community quarantine” on the entire National Capital Region (NCR) due to the spread of COVID-19.

So far, the Philippines has 98 confirmed cases of the disease, including eight fatalities.

All general aviation flights will also be diverted to the Clark International Airport and Sangley International Aiport as no flights are allowed within the quarantined area.

As for international flights, special airport-to-airport trips arranged by the airlines, in coordination with airport authorities shall be allowed.

Passengers will observe at least one meter radius distance from others, the DOTr said.

“Areas where queuing take place (x-ray, check-in counter queues, etc.) shall have signages for people to observe proper social distancing, and FIDS system will display video reminders of the same,” the guidelines read.

Passengers may also opt to terminate flight in Manila and arrange their own transport within Manila.

There will also be suspension on issuance of access passes for visitors as only passengers and essential personnel shall be allowed entry and exit to the airport terminals.

“Passenger, employees and transacting public concentration in screening areas, check-in counters, immigration areas, concourses, elevator, escalators, and access pass control windows shall be regulated for orderly and distanced queuing,” the DOTr said.

Edited by JPV