Lifesize images of carollers wearing facemasks adorn the rotonda in Tagaytay City, Cavite province, November 19, 2020, reminding the public to observe health protocols this Christmas season. Niño Jesus Orbeta/Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines — The mayors of Metro Manila want the easing of the general community quarantine (GCQ) in the capital region to happen next year to avert an “imminent” increase in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections during the Christmas and New Year holidays, National Task Force against COVID-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said Thursday.
“Very cautious po sila na magkaroon ng MGCQ (modified general community quarantine) dito sa Metro Manila. Ang recommendation po nila ay in case magkaroon ng easing of restrictions, maybe next year after the holidays,” Galvez said in a televised Palace press briefing.
Metro Manila will be under GCQ until November 30 while the majority of the country is now under the most lenient MGCQ.
According to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, President Rodrigo Duterte will address the nation on Monday, November 30 to announce the new quarantine classifications, if there will be any.
The number of COVID-19 cases being reported daily has been on a downtrend but the government is preparing for a possible surge as Filipinos celebrate the holiday season.
Galvez said they have already asked the police and the military, as well as the local government units, to ensure that minimum health standards such as physical distancing and wearing of face masks are strictly enforced to contain the further spread of the virus.
There are 422,915 confirmed COVID-19 cases nationwide, including 386,955 recoveries and 8,215 deaths.