Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque. INQUIRER file photo
MANILA, Philippines — The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases will study whether it will grant the appeal of Bacolod City officials to extend the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in their city until May 15, 2020.
In a statement, Palace spokesman Harry Roque said the Bacolod City officials’ appeal to President Rodrigo Duterte has reached the Office of the President.
“Aforesaid appeal needs to undergo protocol such as the approval of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases,” Roque said.
“Let us just wait for IATF’s decision in this regard,” he added.
Duterte earlier extended the ECQ in areas described as “high risk” to COVID-19 infection.
The following areas will remain under ECQ until May 15:
- National Capital Region
- Central Luzon except for Aurora
- CALABARZON
- Pangasinan
- Benguet
- Baguio City
- Iloilo province
- Cebu province
- Cebu City
- Davao City
Meanwhile, areas with a moderate to low risk of infection will be placed under a general community quarantine wherein a number of restrictions will be relaxed.
To date, 7,958 individuals have been infected by the coronavirus nationwide, 975 of whom recovered although 530 died.