Isabela city extends ‘GCQ bubble’ as COVID-19 cases spiral to 292

CAUAYAN CITY—The local government has extended the so-called “GCQ bubble” here until May 9 as COVID-19 cases spiraled to 292 on Sunday (May 2).

GCQ, or general community quarantine, is the second most lenient form of quarantine classification in the Philippines.

Mayor Bernard Faustino Dy said the bubble was supposed to end on Sunday but he opted to extend it for another week to curb the spread of SARS Cov2, the highly contagious coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

At least 11 new COVID-19 cases were added to the city’s tally although 15 patients also recovered from the disease on the same day.

On April 26, the city first imposed the GCQ bubble, closing some public places where people usually gather and spread the virus.

Under the GCQ bubble, quarantine enforcement teams had been reinforced to tighten city checkpoints.

Dy said pillion riding in motorcycles are allowed for couples or those from the same household provided they present ID cards, wear helmets and heed health protocols.

Workers in essential businesses are exempted from the number coding scheme. A ban on alcoholic drinks and a curfew stay at 9 p.m.to 4 a.m.

TSB