MANILA, Philippines – Metro Manila mayors have decided on the quarantine status of the capital region come May 15.
In a statement on Thursday, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairperson Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. said the consensus was made after a meeting with representatives from the Department of Health (DOH) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on Wednesday evening.
“After a thorough consideration of all factors presented such as hospitals' capacity, the arrival of vaccines, decrease in the number of new Covid-19 (coronavirus disease) cases, and present economic conditions, the NCR mayors have come up with its recommendation as to the quarantine status come May 15,” Abalos said.
The decision of the Metro Manila Council (MMC), however, was kept confidential as it will be presented first to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) in its meeting on Thursday.
“This same recommendation will be presented to the IATF at its meeting today, which in turn will be presented to President Rodrigo Duterte who has the final say on the matter,” Abalos said.
Abalos assured that the recommendation will benefit residents of Metro Manila and will put “utmost importance” on a balance between the health and safety of the public and the economy.
President Rodrigo Duterte extended in late April the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) classification in the NCR Plus until May 14.
On Thursday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque hinted the possible shift to less strict general community quarantine (GCQ).
READ: Extend MECQ or GCQ: New quarantine status after May 14
On Wednesday, Makati City Mayor Abigail “Abby” Binay said NCR mayors have agreed to gradually relax quarantine restrictions in the region, noting that whatever quarantine status is decided, certain restrictions will remain such as a curfew, limited capacity in transportation and establishments, and compliance with other minimum health protocols.
— The Summit Express
In a statement on Thursday, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairperson Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. said the consensus was made after a meeting with representatives from the Department of Health (DOH) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on Wednesday evening.
“After a thorough consideration of all factors presented such as hospitals' capacity, the arrival of vaccines, decrease in the number of new Covid-19 (coronavirus disease) cases, and present economic conditions, the NCR mayors have come up with its recommendation as to the quarantine status come May 15,” Abalos said.
The decision of the Metro Manila Council (MMC), however, was kept confidential as it will be presented first to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) in its meeting on Thursday.
“This same recommendation will be presented to the IATF at its meeting today, which in turn will be presented to President Rodrigo Duterte who has the final say on the matter,” Abalos said.
Abalos assured that the recommendation will benefit residents of Metro Manila and will put “utmost importance” on a balance between the health and safety of the public and the economy.
President Rodrigo Duterte extended in late April the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) classification in the NCR Plus until May 14.
On Thursday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque hinted the possible shift to less strict general community quarantine (GCQ).
READ: Extend MECQ or GCQ: New quarantine status after May 14
On Wednesday, Makati City Mayor Abigail “Abby” Binay said NCR mayors have agreed to gradually relax quarantine restrictions in the region, noting that whatever quarantine status is decided, certain restrictions will remain such as a curfew, limited capacity in transportation and establishments, and compliance with other minimum health protocols.
— The Summit Express
