Metro Manila remains under GCQ 

President Rodrigo Duterte has placed Lanao del Sur under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) and retained the general community quarantine (GCQ) over Metro Manila and several other areas, according to a report by GMA News.

In Duterte’s weekly address to the nation, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases recommended the extension of GCQ over the National Capital Region, Batangas, Tacloban, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Iligan.

The rest of the country will be under modified GCQ.

The latest quarantine classifications will be in effect until October 31.

Metro Manila mayors and experts from the University of the Philippines-OCTA Research team earlier urged an extension of the GCQ over the capital region to sustain the gains made against COVID-19.

The Philippines has logged 307,288 COVID-19 cases as of Monday afternoon, still the highest across Southeast Asia.

Guidelines

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque earlier explained that MECQ involves strict limits on transportation and regulation of operating industries.

Under this classification, the provision of food and essential services are loosened and “the heightened presence of uniformed personnel becomes less necessary.”

Under the less stringent GCQ, more industries are allowed to open.

Religious gatherings are also allowed under GCQ but only 10 percent of the venue capacity may be occupied.