DILG chief sees ‘likely’ extension of GCQ in Metro Manila

 (RICHARD A. REYES)

MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Friday bared that Metro Manila may most likely remain under general community quarantine (GCQ) status after June 15, 2020.

“Para sa akin 50/50 pero mas lamang mag-re-remain ‘yan (Metro Manila) sa GCQ,” Año, vice chair of government’s inter agency task force on coronavirus efforts, said in a CNN Philippines interview.

Año also warned that shifting from GCG to modified GCQ may lead to a significant increase in COVID-19 infections.

“If we are going to relax quarantine measures now, we may see a spike in cases,” he said.

As of Thursday  afternoon, COVID-19 cases in the Philippines soared to 24,175.

Año said mayors in the National Capital Region will meet on Saturday to discuss their recommendations to the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) on the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease.

President Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to meet with IATF members on Monday, June 15 and decide on quarantine restrictions in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Pangasinan, Albay, Western Visayas, Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Davao City are currently under GCQ while the rest of the country is under MGCQ until June 15.

GSG