PCSO lotto, STL operations resume in NCR Plus, MECQ areas

MANILA, Philippines – Lotto operations in National Capital Region (NCR) Plus and areas under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) are back, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) announced Friday, May 14.

PCSO lotto operations resume in NCR Plus

Earlier, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced that the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) issued Resolution No. 115 allowing the PCSO and its authorized agents to resume selling of tickets even for areas under MECQ.

“The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and its authorized agents, may resume the authority to sell Lotto, Keno, Scratch-It, and Small Town Lottery Tickets nationwide even during MECQ.

For this purpose, Section 3(5)(f) of the Omnibus Guidelines in the Implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines, as amended, shall be suspended in part relative only to lottery and betting shops. All other industries, establishments, and activities enumerated therein shall remain on the negative list,” the resolution read.

PCSO is directed to ensure strict compliance to health and safety protocols and the observance of minimum public health standards.

President Rodrigo Duterte has placed Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal, also known as or “NCR Plus” under general community quarantine (GCQ) “with heightened restrictions” from May 15 to 31.

Apart from NCR Plus, the quarantine classification in Abra was also downgraded from MECQ to GCQ.

The MECQ status was retained in the City of Santiago in Isabela, Zamboanga City, Quirino, and Ifugao.

With the updated protocol, lotto operations to stop only for areas that will be placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Lotto operations in NCR Plus were suspended since April due to the imposition of ECQ.

PCSO protocols for bettors amid the COVID-19 pandemic

1. No facemask, no bet.

2. Observe social distancing in the lotto outlet.

3. Bring your own pen to prevent cross contamination.

4. Use hand sanitizers. Alcohol station is provided by the lotto outlet.

5. Place your payment in the money tray provided by the lotto agent.

6. Throw your used playslips in the trash can.

7. Wash your hands with soap and water upon arriving home from the lotto outlet.

Lotto outlets are open between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm.

— The Summit Express



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