15 Things to Do During Enhanced Community Quarantine in the Philippines

Enhanced community quarantine had been in effect in the entire Luzon island and the country last March 17. People are getting wary because a significant portion of the population have their usual work or employment disrupted.

For at least 1 week people living within Metro Manila and nearby provinces affected have a hard time procuring basic necessities like food, medicines and cellphone load.

While Extreme Enhanced Community Quarantine means that there were at least 2 to 3 cases of covid 19 within a barangay or locality. Household members of coronavirus patients are not allowed to leave their residences. People within a 500-meter radius from these houses are also under strict monitoring.

Quezon City had 142 barangays in the city, 42 now have coronavirus cases. There were at least 12 barangays that were classified under this category. This mean that there were multiple of cases of COVID 2019 in the 12 barangays.

memorandum circular

15 Things to Do During Enhanced Community Quarantine

15.) Try to stay tune to national government, local government, reputable blogs,vlogs or  news agencies thru their valid social media sites or websites. Another alternative is to listen and check radio or community bulletin. Community bulletin are normally posted in some villages, subdivision, barangay centers or by their respective social media accounts.

There are daily updates send via short messaging service by National Telecommunication and Communication (NTC) and weather updates by Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA).

14.) Stay at Home – Staying at home is the best and try to practice social distancing even to immediate members of the family.

13.) Wait for the Special Quarantine Pass to be Issued- In many areas, community quarantine pass were already issued. Try to assign the most capable and healthy member of the family to do some errands.

12.) Observe local curfew time and other local ordinances: Some people especially in the marginalized sector of the country may not observe local curfew time and quite a number of people had been arrested because they violated local curfew or ordinances. Some towns like Marilao, Bulacan implements odd even scheme for their residents base on the quarantine passes given to the residents. Liquor ban may be enforced in some areas.

photo courtesy of ( pixabay: klaushausmann-1332067 )

11.) Disinfect and Practice Good Hygiene- Here is a pdf site where one can make home made disinfectant. The ratio is 1 tablespoon of bleach per 1 gallon will give you 50 to 200 ppm sanitizing solution. Remember to frequently wash your hands with soap at least 20 seconds. Try to sing “Happy Birthday ” twice.

photo courtesy of (pixabay: wian-1852106)

Before entering one’s house, Be particular of the pair slipper/ tsinelas or shoes used from going outside. Never enter the house with dirty shoes or slippers. In our case, we have two set of slippers, One set is left outside and one set for indoor use. In extreme cases, one can make a do it yourself foot bath, which is vital for not spreading the virus inside your house. This practice is done in farms, piggeries or hospitals ICU.

10.) Boost Your Immune System- Aside from taking your multi-vitamins and vitamin C medicine. Getting sunshine can also help boost your immune system, The best way to get vitamin D is by going out from 6:00 am to 8:00am, Try to observe social distancing. These includes vitamins D-1, D-2, and D-3. Your body produces vitamin D naturally when it is directly exposed to sunlight.

9.) Prepare a Budget and Meal Plan- Since a lot of people does not have a regular means of earning an income. Try to sort out which food item or material is the most necessary. It is also good to have a good credit line within your community.

photo courtesy (pixabay: stanwilliamsphoto-10634669)

8.) Avoid sharing fake news and rumor mongering – Before sharing fake news and rumors, try to verify it a number of times from reliable sources. According to a recent televised briefing conducted by Secretary Karlo Nograles in PTV ( government owned television station) He said that Philippine National Police,CIDG, NBI cyber crime office were monitoring social media sites and fake news sites. Remember that people or websites which spread fake news can get flagged down or get maximum penalties.

Do not forget about some myths about the covid2019 which can cause panic to the general population. A lot of the myths were unfounded and does not have scientific basis that were proven.

7.) Exercise- Do not forget to keep healthy and do not forget to keep your body healthy. Doing household choirs like washing dishes, washing clothes, watering plants, taking care of pets and scrubbing floors can be substitute for exercises.

6.) Practice General Cleaning- Try to check every nook and cranny of your house. Try to remove dirt by cleaning windows, brushing floors and throwing away items of no use.

5.) Learn New Hobby or Skill- Learning new skill or hobby like cooking, gardening, knitting, arts, basic carpentry or try to spend time watching your favorite television series or old movies.

4.) Stock Up on Plastic Containers- There can be an unannounced water or electricity interruptions during the period. Some villages or communities which rely on water pumps which may not have enough water to go around. Same with portable plastic ware for food containers. Living in an area where there is water problem and rotational water service interruption may pose some problems when it comes to potable water or even water for general usage.

It is also good to have portable water filter system or batteries in case of prolonged blackout.

3.) Sleep Early (Depending on age bracket)- Maintain good sleeping habits from 6 to 8 hours of good night sleep.

2.) Presence of Mind- Having presence of mind, sane attitude and calmness are needed in this times of crisis.

1.) Have a Sunny Disposition in Life-Nothing beats a person with a sunny disposition in life. Remember to have faith and always be positive no matter how challenging times.

Sources and References: (website and social media accounts):

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group ( CIDG) http://www.cidg.pnp.gov.ph

Department of Health (DOH) http://www.doh.gov.ph

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)

Johns Hopkins: coronavirus.jhu.edu

National Telecommunications and Communications (NTC) www. ntc.gov.ph

Offical Gazette.Gov.Ph : http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph

Philippine Information Agency (PIA) www.covid19.gov.ph

Philippine National Police (PNP) www. pnp.gov.ph

Presidential Communications (PCOO) http://www.pcoo.gov.ph

People’s Television Network (PTV 4) ptvnews.ph

World Health Organization (WHO) http://www.who.int

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