Metro Manila to remain under GCQ until July 31

Last updated on May 6th, 2021 at 10:37 am

MANILA – The Metro Manila Council (MMC) has recommended the extension of the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in the National Capital Region (NCR) to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) amid the increasing confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the country.

According to Presidential spokesman Harry Roque, President Duterte approved the recommendation of the University of the Philippines (UP) but two COVID-19 czars appealed the move. The Metro Manila mayors promised to intensify their lockdown and quarantine restrictions under GCQ.

MMC Chairman and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez confirmed that the mayors in Metro Manila has unanimously agreed the extension of GCQ for the remainder of the month of July. The IATF, however, is looking to allow restaurants and other food establishments to operate atleast 50% seating capacity.

The government is also looking for a possibility opening the economy more without sacrificing health protocols. The Hybrid GCQ will allow some establishment to open up in Metro Manila.

However, If the case continues to increase during this period, There is a possibility that the region will be placed under the MECQ again.

MMDA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Celine Pialago stressed that The Metro Manila Council (MMC) is just a recommendatory body and that the decision still fully lies to the IATF. Local government units are still accepting OFWs stranded but they must undergo quarantine and PCR testing as much as possible.