By Czarina Nicole Ong Ki Now that different parts of the country are transitioning towards the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has issued reminders on how Filipinos can still stay safe from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Commission on Human Rights (Facebook) Certain rules are already well known, such as the constant washing of hands, wearing of face masks and physical distancing. People should still remain at home unless they have to go to work or buy necessities. However, the MECQ has also allowed people to go outside for walks, running, and biking. While engaging in these physical activities, the CHR reminded that people should always wear masks and maintain a two-meter distance from other people. Any social gathering is still strictly prohibited. But in cases when it is absolutely necessary, the CHR said that the count should not be more than five people. Private offices and government workers have started to re-open and a skeletal workforce set-up is allowed. However, the CHR said that work-from-home arrangements should still be encouraged. Going to and from work is going to be difficult with the MECQ because public transportation will remain restricted. In this light, the CHR is encouraging Filipinos to use bikes to go to work, when feasible or practicable. The MECQ will be implemented starting May 16 up to 31 in Metro Manila, Laguna, and Cebu City. Meanwhile, other areas have already been placed under general community quarantine (GCQ), and restrictions with the GCQ are much lighter.