After a two-week timeout call from the medical community, President Rodrigo Duterte, in his late night public address announced that Metro Manila and neighboring areas of Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal and Laguna will be eased to a less stricter General Community Qurantine (GCQ) starting August 19, 2020 until August 31, 2020.
Previously announced last Saturday, Nueva Ecija, Batangas, Quezon, Iloilo City, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City, Minglanilla, Cebu and Consolacion, Cebu are also under GCQ until August 31 while the rest of the Philippines will stay under Modified General Community Quarantine (MECQ).
The decision of the President to revert NCR and nearby areas to GCQ comes after the country’s economy faces recession following a 16.5 percent GDP drop in the second quarter. Upon reverting to GCQ, more businesses will be allowed to operate and suspension of public transportation will also be lifted.
In his address, the President Duterte also urges the public to be extra careful and follow Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to combat COVID-19.
