Zamora favors longer GCQ in Metro Manila

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora —EDWIN BACASMAS

MANILA, Philippines — Days before the two-week general community quarantine (GCQ) in the capital was set to lapse, San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora said on Sunday that he had recommended to the Metro Manila Council to maintain the status quo, saying it was “difficult” to keep adjusting to new policies within short periods of time.

On the sidelines of the city’s celebration of the 124th Pinaglabanan Day, Zamora told reporters that it was “too early to lower the quarantine status again (to modified general community quarantine)…especially since it [had been] only two weeks since Manila returned to GCQ.”

“We shouldn’t abruptly be lowering our quarantine status. What’s important is that there is a balance between health and the economy,” he said.

He added that establishments and businesses allowed to operate under GCQ have been doing well since Manila reverted from modified enhanced community quarantine.

At present, San Juan has 516 active coronavirus cases.

The city commemorated on Sunday not only Pinaglabanan Day but also National Heroes’ Day by honoring the country’s front-liners, who had been carrying out their duties amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“This is an important day for us because even if we are in the midst of a pandemic, our fight goes on not only for our freedom but also to be freed from this virus,” Zamora said.

“We are here to commemorate and celebrate our front-liners who risk their lives every day to fight against the pandemic,” he added.