Duterte still reviewing new NCR Plus quarantine status after April 11

FILE — Policemen check identification cards of motorists at a checkpoint passing the border of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan-Caloocan City on Monday, March 29, 2021.  Niño Jesus Orbeta/Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte is still reviewing the new quarantine classifications for Metro Manila, and its four adjacent provinces after April 11, Malacañang said Saturday.

“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is weighing the pros and cons before making his final decision regarding the quarantine classification of the National Capital Region Plus Area,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

“The Chief Executive would like to review and check pertinent information such as the Health Care Utilization Rate (HCUR) of the aforesaid area,” he added.

The enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) placed over Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite and Laguna is only until Sunday, April 11.

“We shall provide the necessary notice once everything has been made final,” Roque said.

Earlier, Roque ruled out extending the ECQ implementation over the Greater Manila Area. He said the government is instead eyeing to impose a week-long modified ECQ (MECQ) once the current quarantine status lapses.

As the Philippines continues to record high new COVID-19 cases, the OCTA Research group has recommended extending ECQ for another week or a minimum of two-week MECQ if the economy can no longer afford the strictest quarantine measure.

CFC