IN PHOTOS: Busy streets, mall activity as quarantine measures ease in PH

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Communities that had been on lockdown for the last two months due to the coronavirus pandemic woke up to the now odd sound of street activity on Saturday, May 16, as quarantine measures were eased in most places in the country. 

While Metro Manila was on modified lockdown – people's movement remained restricted and public transportation continued to be prohibited – parts of main thoroughfare EDSA looked like it was back in business due to traffic at a checkpoint area.

CHECKPOINT BUILDUP. Vehicle traffic builds up at a checkpoint along EDSA in Mandaluyong City on May 16, 2020, the start of the MECQ. Photo by Czar Dancel/Rappler

Photo by Czar Dancel/Rappler

 

At an SM Mall in Manila, a few people were seen shortly after the doors opened at 11 am. 

PHYSICAL DISTANCING. A few early mallgoers stay farther apart than usual, following the rules on physical distacing on May 16, 2020. Photo by Czar Dancel/Rappler

 

People – all wearing masks and a few with gloves – were also seen waiting to get inside another SM Mall in Laguna, which is under modified lockdown too. 

LAGUNA MALL. Mall goers observe physical distancing while falling in line at a mall in Sta Rosa, Laguna during the first day of modified enhanced community quarantine on May 16, 2020. Photo by Mary Grace dela Cerna/Rappler

REMINDERS. Signs remind mallgoers of rules to observe inside the establishment. Photo by Mary Grace dela Cerna/Rappler

Public transportation resumed operations in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ), but with safety measures in place to enforce physical distancing.

In Eastwood Mall in Libis, Quezon City, pet owners finally gave their dogs a much-needed exercise. 

DOG DAY. Mall goers take their pets for a walk inside Eastwood Mall in Quezon City as it reopens on the first day of the MECQ on May 16, 2020, Photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler

BREAK. Mall goers take their pets for a walk inside Eastwood Mall in Quezon City as it reopens on the first day of the MECQ on May 16, 2020, Photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler

SEAT APART. Mall goers troop to Eastwood Mall in Quezon City as it reopens on the first day of the MECQ on May 16, 2020, Photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler

 

As the rest of Metro Manila loosens its grip, two barangays in Mandaluyong City – Addition Hills and Mauway – have been placed under strict lockdown.

SHUTTERED. A solitary biker passes through the shuttered houses in barangay Addition Hills in Mandaluyong, which is under lockdown. Photo by Rob Reyes/Rappler

 

In Baguio City, jeepneys were fitted with dividers made from recycled tarpaulin, while passengers and those outside their homes followed the face mask rule in public places.

DIVIDED. A jeepney with DIY dividers in Baguio City on May 16, 2020. Photo by Mau Victa/Rappler

 

BUSY SIDEWALK. Food establishments along Session Road in Baguio City gradually open, but all for takeout and delivery services only. Photo by Mau Victa/Rappler

 

A shop along Session Road is protected by a plastic divider to minimize physical interaction with customers.

REMINDER. Providers of essential and non-essential services in Baguio City are directed to limit physical contact in transacting with clients. Photo by Mau Victa/Rappler

 

In Cavite, usually packed public utility vehicles carried a limited number of passengers.

CAVITE COMMUTE. Public transportation resumed operations in Cavite on May 16, 2020. Photo by Dennis Abrina/Rappler

DE RIGUEUR. In the Noveleta Public Market in Cavitte, Saturday, May 16, 2020 people are buying the must-wear face mask. Photo by Dennis Abrina/Rappler

In Bacolod City, the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office strictly monitored supermarkets, commercial establishments, and medical facilities on Day 1 of the general community quarantine in the city. 

BARRIER. The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Bacolod City monitors the situation in the supermarkets, commercial establishments, and medical facilities on Saturday, May 16. Photos courtesy of Bacolod DRRMO

TIGHT WATCH. The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Bacolod City monitors the situation in the supermarkets, commercial establishments, and medical facilities on Saturday, May 16. Photo courtesy of Bacolod DRRMO

– Rappler.com