Areas declared as no longer under community quarantine to shift to modified GCQ — Año

The national government on Wednesday reversed its decision to lift the community quarantine in provinces and cities considered with low risk in the spread of COVID-19.

Speaking at a Palace press conference, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said the decision stemmed from the appeals of governors and mayors who expressed apprehension about further easing of restrictions.

“Marami pong governors, mayors na nagsagawa ng petitions, requests at sinasabi nila na hindi pa sila handa para tanggalin ang community quarantine,” he said.

Año said the new policy will cover 37 provinces and 11 cities, which will be placed under modified general community quarantine after May 15. These low-risk provinces and cities are in Region I, Region IV-B, Region V, Region VI, Region VIII, Region X Region XII and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“Wala na po tayong areas sa buong Pilipinas na hindi under community quarantine. Iba iba lang pong level,” he said.

Under modified GCQ, socio-economic activities will be allowed but minimum public health standards must be followed.

Año said the government will issue guidelines on the matter. — RSJ, GMA News