To extend ECQ or not? New quarantine classifications for NCR Plus out this Saturday

A policeman (L) stands guard at the entrance to a neighborhood under strict quarantine measures in Pasay City, suburban Manila, on March 16, 2021, as the number of new daily cases of COVID-19 coronavirus has surged to the highest level in seven months. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — The government will announce this Saturday new quarantine classifications for Metro Manila and its four adjacent provinces, the Department of Health (DOH) said.

In a televised briefing, DOH spokesperson Usec. Ma. Rosario Vergeire said the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases was already meeting to decide on the new quarantine status.

“Sa ngayon po, naguusap pa po ang IATF regarding this matter. We’ll give information after the meeting,” Vergeire said.

The new quarantine status comes as the Philippines reported 401 deaths due to COVID-19— the highest single-day tally since the start of the pandemic.

The enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) over Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite and Laguna will lapse on Sunday, April 11.

Malacanang earlier said the government was eyeing to place the so-called “NCR Plus” under the more lenient modified ECQ once the current status lapses.

EDV