
Quarantine rules may be further eased or even lifted in most provinces next week, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.
A graph tracking confirmed COVID-19 cases based on the date when a patient first showed symptoms of the disease was showed by the spokesperson to justify the easing of lockdown restrictions.
“Kapag ni-record natin sa ganitong pamamaraan, makikita niyo kung bakit tama lang naman na nag-GCQ na tayo sa Metro Manila at sa iba pang mga lugar dahil nakikita niyo na bumababa na po ang kaso ng COVID sa atin,” he explained.
[When we record the data like this, you will see why right for Metro Manila and other locations to shift to GCQ because COVID cases are declining.]
“I would say that it is a safe conclusion na magkakaroon na naman po ng reclassification, except iba talaga ang data ng Metro Manila [there will be a reclassification, except the data for Metro Manila is different],” added Roque.
Currently, most provinces in the country are under modified general community quarantine.
The next step will be the “new normal” phase, wherein all restrictions will be lifted. However, everyone must wear face masks, do frequent handwashing, and observe social distancing at all times.
The IATF set to meet this week with President Rodrigo Duterte in Davao City, where he is currently staying, to decide on the fate of these provinces and cities.