Metro Manila mayors recommend 'flexible' MECQ
MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila mayors recommended to implement a “flexible” modified enhanced community quarantine in the capital region after April 30, which will allow more economic activities while retaining border control.
“The mayor agreed to impose a ‘flexible’ MECQ,” Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Benhur Abalos said in an interview with “Unang Hirit” Wednesday.
Abalos said this was recommended by the Department of Health and the National Economic Development Authority.
“They call it MECQ with additional business openings,” he said.
Under the proposed “flexible” MECQ which will last for two weeks, border controls will be retained, strict health protocols will remain, and more businesses, such as construction activities, will be allowed to operate.
The MMDA chairman also said the mayors agreed to adjust curfew hours starting May to 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Outdoor dine-in, public transportation and individual outdoor exercises are allowed under the current MECQ. Several businesses are also permitted to reopen fully.
The implementation of MECQ in the capital region and its surrounding provinces is set to end on April 30.
The official position of Metro Manila mayors has been presented to the government’s inter-agency task force. President Rodrigo Duterte is set to announce a decision on quarantine classification for May later.
The OCTA Research Group said extending MECQ in the “NCR Plus” bubble for another week will allow the ongoing decrease in new cases to stabilize and help in decongesting hospitals.
The country’s COVID-19 caseload reached 1.01 million Tuesday, of which 71,675 were active. The severe respiratory disease has claimed the lives of nearly 17,000 people in the Philippines.
Follow this thread for updates on COVID-19 risk levels, safety measures, and data from Metro Manila's local government units.
Photo: The STAR/Michael Varcas
Supreme Court suspends work from 12:30 p.m. on May 12 for disinfection of premises "in view of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases."
Senate President Migz Zubiri says that the whole Senate building will be placed under lockdown until Tuesday next week for thorough cleaning and disinfection.
This came after seven senators and some staff of the Senate tested positive for COVID-19.
Senate President Migz Zubiri says Sen. Grace Poe is recovering from COVID-19 and is not present at the Senate plenary session today. She is the fourth senator to catch the coronavirus in the past two weeks. — Franco Luna
Senate President Migz Zubiri says Sen. Cynthia Villar tested positive for COVID-19. She is third senator to test positive for the virus following Sens. Alan Peter Cayetano and Imee Marcos -- Philstar.com/Xave Gregorio
Daily growth rate in the National Capital Region is down to 2% from 3% of the previous day, according to OCTA Research.
OCTA Research fellow Guido David says the capital region could be close to the peak in new cases or the region has reached its limits in testing capacity.
NCR daily growth rate just 2%. The NCR could be close to the peak in new cases, or the NCR has reached its limits in testing capacity. @dzbb @dzrhnews @allangatus @News5PH @DZAR1026 @NewsRmn @dwiz882 @dzme_1530khz @EagleNews @ABSCBNNews @sofiatomacruz @PhilstarNews @haydeesampang pic.twitter.com/qkSPVvyf6e
— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) January 16, 2022
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