MANILA, Philippines — The status quo will remain in areas where the enforcement of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) has been extended, Malacañang said Friday as the government extends the period of the lockdown in Metro Manila and in other “high risk” areas due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
President Rodrigo Duterte approved the extension of the lockdown in Metro Manila, Southern Tagalog, Central Luzon, Mindoro island, and the provinces of Pangasinan, Benguet, Catanduanes, and Albay until May 15.
The movement of people in these areas will continue to be severely restricted, with most only being allowed to leave their homes to buy food, medicine, and other basic necessities.
Other areas in Luzon that are not included in the extension of the ECQ will be placed under a general community quarantine where some restrictions will be relaxed.
Palace spokesman Harry Roque said this development will help the government provide efficient assistance as it would only focus in areas covered by the extended lockdown.
“Status quo po tayo. Bagamat may mga pagpupulong na pinag-aaralan ngayon ‘yung pagbukas hanggang 30 porsyento ng transportasyon pero sa ngayon po status quo sa mga areas under ECQ,” Roque said in an interview over CNN Philippines.
“Ang kagandahan po hindi naman buong Pilipinas nasa ECQ, maibubuhos na natin ang ayuda ng gobyeerno sa pamamagitan ng SAP, TUPAD at iba pang mga programa ng ibat ibang departamento,” he added.
In mid-March, Duterte placed the entire Luzon, home to over 50 million people, under lockdown to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 which has so far infected nearly 7,000 people in the country.
The lockdown was initially set to end on April 13 but Duterte approved its extension for over two weeks or until April 30.
Nationwide, health officials have so far confirmed 6,981 COVID-19 cases, with 462 fatalities and 722 recoveries.