Duterte maintains GCQ in Metro Manila until July 31

President Rodrigo Duterte on July 15 has extended the general community quarantine (GCQ) status in Metro Manila until July 31 amid the rising number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the region.

According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Metro Manila and other areas in Luzon and Visayas have been placed again under GCQ due to the spike in the number of COVID-19 cases.

The Palace also warned that if the number of cases continues to surge, the government will place Metro Manila under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

“Malinaw po sa diskuyon na kapag hindi pa rin po napabagal ang pagkalat ng COVID-19 sa Metro Manila, posible pong bumalik sa MECQ pagkatapos po nitong dalawang linggo,” Roque said on July 15.

The spokesperson added that the president initially agreed to put the National Capital Region under MEQC following the advice of experts from the University of the Philippines. However, Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año appealed to extend GCQ instead, and promised that the mayors will remain committed to curbing the spread of the disease.

“Nangako ang ating mga mayor sa Metro Manila na paiigtingin pa nila ang kanilang localized lockdown, palalakasin nila ang testing, tracing, and treatment, at ipatutupad ng mas malawakan ang mga restriction sa GCQ, so pumayag muna ang ating Presidente na huwag munang ibalik ang Metro Manila sa MECQ sa susunod na dalawang linggo,” said Roque.

Other areas under GCQ are:

Laguna

Cavite

Rizal

Lapu Lapu City

Mandaue City

Ormoc City

Southern Leyte

Zamboanga City

Butuan City

Agusan del Norte

Basilan

Meanwhile, Cebu City has been eased into MECQ, as cases remain rising.