IATF includes Albay among areas to transition to MGCQ

LEGAZPI CITY –– The National Interagency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF) announced on Saturday that Albay province has been reclassified to transition to moderate general community quarantine (MGCQ) from general community quarantine (GCQ) on June 1.

Daniel Garcia, spokesperson of Albay Gov. Al Francis Bichara, told the Inquirer that the National IATF, after careful consideration of the appeal raised by the province, has approved the request and decided to include the province among areas to be put under MGCQ.

Garcia said the previous IATF resolution 40, which initially placed all Bicol provinces and Legazpi City, except Albay, under MGCQ, has created confusion among residents here.

Legazpi City is the capital of Albay.

Garcia said with this recent development, the province is firming up its preparation for the transition phase from GCQ to MGCQ with vigilance on the easing of restrictions and preparedness on the prevention and control of coronavirus disease.

Under AITF Resolution No.41, issued on Friday, Bicol’s six provinces – Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon – including the cities of Legazpi and Naga, are placed under MGCQ starting June 1 to 15.

MGCQ refers to the transition phase between GCQ and the “new normal.”

LZB