A few days away from the expiration of the current quarantine measures imposed by the government, authorities are looking at the possibility of a “modified” general community quarantine (MGCQ) in Metro Manila by June 1.
The government wants to further ease restrictions to enable the entire nation to recover from economic losses brought by the COVID-19.
Metro Manila Development Authority General Manager Jojo Garcia said a location or sector-specific lockdown would be more “manageable” for local communities should the national government decide to downgrade from a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) by then.
Should that proposal push through, Metro Manila would be under the most loose of four quarantine scenarios, even more lax than a barangay-wide lockdown.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said Metro Manila will likely be placed under the GCQ — where there are more restrictions than MGCQ — by June 1. But he said areas that still have infections may remain under more stringent control.
“Modified ECQ, I think that’s what we’re doing right now. If ever pwedeng may modified GCQ siguro, meaning open ang ating…ating mga establishments,” Garcia said.
[If ever we enforce a modified GCQ as well, meaning, establishments would be open) but the mayors can decide if they’re going to lock down certain sectors or place.]
“Sabi ko nga, nung huli kami nag -usap, it’s better mas maliit ang i-lockdown mo, mas manageable, mas controllable,” Garcia said, referring to his previous meeting with Metro Manila mayors.
[Like I said the last time we talked, it’s better if you implement a lockdown on a smalleter unit, it’s more manageable, more controllable.]
Some areas of Quezon City have been placed under a 14-day special concern lockdown since May 13 due to the unprecedented increase of COVID-19 cases.
Metro Manila, along with Laguna, Bataan, Bulacan and other provinces are still all considered “high-risk” areas under the MECQ until May 31.
