Checkpoints modified to relieve traffic congestion amid MECQ/GCQ

MANILA: Today, May 21, the Joint Task Force Corona Virus Shield (JTF CV Shield) confirmed the implementation of modified checkpoints in the National Capital Region (NCR) and other urban areas in the country.

The goal of these checkpoints is to ease the movement and prevent long lines of vehicles at quarantine control points (QCPs). This is because more vehicles and people are anticipated to be on the roads due to the partial reopening of business establishments in line with the transition of NCR to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) and other areas in the Philippines to general community quarantine (GCQ) since May 16.

Currently, there are over 4,000 QCPs established across the country to continually limit the movement of people and prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, JTF CV Shield commander, stated that there are periods when all vehicles passing through checkpoints cannot be appropriately monitored since it would increase traffic build-up. Eventually, this will have an impact on gradual economic recovery. Thus, it is recommended to resume the strict checking of vehicles once normalization in the traffic situation occurs to prevent inconveniences.

Eleazar added that in modified checkpoints, soldiers and police officers handling the QCPs still need to check the vehicles if the passengers on board hold an authorized person outside residence (APOR) status. They also see to it that passengers and drivers are wearing face masks and are observing the social distancing measure.

Photo courtesy of the Philippine News Agency (PNA)

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