MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – The Philippines is moving closer to the dawn of the “new normal” after proposals that the entire country be placed under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ), the least restrictive of the government’s regulative policy aimed curbing the spread of Covid-19.
Among the proposed changes is to open up cinemas on the condition of controlled occupancy (physical distancing) and observance of, according to a Department of Health (DOH) officials, the wearing of face masks, no eating, no calls, and NO BATHROOM BREAKS!
In accordance with the DOH recommendation, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) issued Resolution 69-X that would require all movie patrons to bring their own portable urinals so that they wont’ have the need to use the cinema’s bathroom.
In anticipation of the opening of the cinemas and of the new IATF rules, online shopping portal Lazada is reporting that its supply of portable urinals has been depleted and is currently on back order.
MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – They were supposed to provide Filipinos with factual information and serve as a vehicle to calm frayed nerves brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, but the Presidential Press Briefings seem to be adding more stress for many, thanks to Spokesperson Harry Roque.
GMA 7 correspondent Joseph Morong had even advised Roque — on live TV — “to relax” after he and many viewers noticed the Spox to get so easily irritated by reporters’ questions and criticism from President Rodrigo Duterte’s opponents. Roque’s facial expressions — not to mention his snark remarks — when encountering the likes of Rappler’s Pia Ranada are classic.
But it is not just members of the Malacañang Press Corps who suffer from Roque’s ways. A yet-to-be-published survey among hospitals across the country shows that outside of Covid-19, mental and emotional stress is among the top reasons for Emergency Room visits. Patients interviewed indicate a common stressor: listening to Roque’s Presidential Press Briefings. What a departure from the calm demeanor of Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles!
Here is one of Roque’s most talked about come-back to Duterte’s critics to date:
MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Valentine’s Day is just a few days away, and so the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has issued guidelines for couples intending to celebrate this romantic occasion in public.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque told the Malacañang Press Corps that the following rules have been put in place in keeping with the ongoing Covid-19 community quarantine:
Dating couples must wear their face mask and face shield at all times, except when eating at a restaurant. There will be no talking. However, texting during the dinner will be allowed.
They may hold hands but must disinfect with alcohol every 15 minutes. Whenever available, washing their hands with soap and water as often as possible is preferred.
Kissing is definitely a no-no since it is high risk for the transmission of the coronavirus through respiratory moisture. In its place, IATF suggests that couples follow the new greeting as mandated by Congress: place palm across the chest and do a slight bow.
When dining in a restaurant where plastic or plexiglass barriers are not installed, couples must bring their own portable plastic barriers.
When riding in a private car on their way to their date, couples must wear a face mask at all times, even if they live in the same household. The one who is not driving must sit in the back.
In lieu of fresh roses, IATF highly recommends that plastic, paper or nylon roses be given so as to prevent the temptation to remove the face mask to smell the fresh roses.
If planning to check in at SOGO or other hotels offering Valentine’s discount room rates, couple must book separate rooms and communicate via zoom or Messenger.
The only exception to the above rules are couples who have a documented negative RT-PCR test taken no earlier than February 1st, with a repeat test within 72 hours of their planned date on February 14.
These guidelines apply to all couples regardless of status (married, single, engaged) or sexual preference (straight or LGBT).
The Adobo Chronicles 
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