The Department of Health clarified that general community quarantine in Metro Manila will remain as is during holiday season unless there is a massive spike of COVID-19 infections in the country.
In an interview, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III refuted circulating rumors that the government would impose a stricter COVID-19 lockdown before Christmas. A different situation may occur when COVID-19 infections spike.
“Hindi mababago. Nasa GCQ pa rin tayo, walang katotohanan ‘yung mga balita na mag-e-ECQ or MECQ ngayong Kapaskuhan. Sabi nga nila December 23 daw, walang katotohanan iyan,” he said.
“Unless na may biglang sipa ng kaso, mag rerekomenda ulit ang [Inter-Agency Task Force] sa Pangulo,” he added.
Metro Manila remains under general community quarantine until Dec. 31, where not all businesses are allowed to operate at full capacity.
In addition, Duque warned the public, especially children, against the use of “torotot” or and other noisemakers that could spread COVID-19 infection.
“Ipagbabawal namin ‘yan dahil makakatulong ‘yan sa pagkalat ng virus lalo na kapag may asymptomatic, baka pagmulan pa ng pagtaas ng kaso kaya iwasan na natin,” he said.
