Palace asks for public cooperation as quarantine eased in PH

MANILA, Philippines — As quarantine protocols are further eased in the country, Malacañang on Sunday sought the “concerted effort of everyone” as it asked the public to cooperate by following rules.

In a statement released one day before various areas in the country shift to general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque assured the public that measures are in place to ensure the safety of the public.

“The Administration with its whole-of-government approach has put in place interventions and measures following minimum public health standards to ensure the safety of Filipinos,” Roque said.

“We have issued guidelines that apply to workplaces, employers, and workers,” he added.

Starting June 1, areas such as Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Pangasinan, Albay, and Davao City will be under GCQ after more than two months of strict movement restrictions to prevent the further spread of the novel coronavirus.

The rest of the country, meanwhile, will be placed under MGCQ which is deemed as the lowest form of community quarantine implemented by the government.

“The government cannot fight COVID-19 alone. We need the concerted effort of everyone. The sacrifices of our people in the past seventy or so days are laudable and we must not put these to naught. It maybe difficult for some, especially those who will physically report, but we live in extraordinary times and situation,” Roque said.

Roque likewise advised the public to follow health protocols such as wearing face masks or face shields, maintaining physical and social distancing, and staying at home if need be and avoiding crowded places, among others.

“As more sectors and industries begin to operate, let us continue cooperating with authorities in enforcing quarantine protocols,” Roque said.

The quarantine was eased even as cases COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the country.

As of May 30, there were 17,224 COVID-19 cases in the country, with 3,808 recoveries and 950 deaths.