IATF recommended GCQ for Metro Manila, Davao –task force adviser

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has recommended that Metro Manila and Davao City be placed under general community quarantine from June 1 to 15, according to Dr. Tony Leachon, Special Adviser to the National Task Force COVID-19. 

Both areas are under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) at present.

Cebu City, meanwhile, will remain under MECQ, Leachon told Dobol B sa News TV in an interview on Thursday.

"MECQ ang Cebu City dahil sila ang second epicenter," he said. "The rest of the  country ay modified GCQ." 

The recommendation was made despite studies made by experts from the University of the Philippines (UP) and University of Sto. Tomas (UST) discouraging the shift to GCQ, both noting that it may be detrimental to the health and wellbeing of residents.

Localized lockdowns

Leachon also said that some barangays in Metro Manila may be placed under lockdown and enhanced community quarantine as well as its modified version by their respective local governments depending on their COVID-19 situation.

He said the areas will be categorized by color based on the graphic information or granular data through a satellite map.

“Kung pula ka, critical zone ka. Kapag orange ka, that will be ECQ. Kapag orange kayo po, ay ang tawag po diyan ay containment zone. May mga cases kada isang area,” Leachon said.

Leachon pointed out that the basis of the classification will not only depend on the number of COVID-19 cases in baranagys but also to the density of the population compared to their land area.

He said urban and rural areas will be categorized differently.

COVID-19 response chief implementer Carlito Galvez earlier said the government is considering implementing localized lockdowns by "zones" when necessary after existing community quarantine arrangements end this month.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año  said that the future lockdowns may also be focused on neighborhood, sitios, and even subdivisions -- an operational framework called “zoning.”

Duterte announcement

President Rodrigo Duterte will make an announcement on the recommendation of the IATF on Thursday night, according to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.  

The IATF is the government's policy-making body in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Roque, however, refused to confirm the veracity of the copy of a supposed IATF memo that circulated online recommending GCQ for Metro Manila and Davao City.

"Can't [confirm]. PRRD (Duterte's initials) will announce tonight," he said in a message to reporters. 

The GCQ will pave the way for more businesses to open and for a percentage of workers to return to work provided that health protocols like social distancing and wearing of face mask are observed.

On the other hand, establishments that are considered "leisure" like theaters, cinemas, and trade shows must remain closed even under GCQ. Also still prohibted are sports-related mass gatherings, gyms and fitness studios, bars/pubs and operations by travel agencies or tours. 

LGUs may appeal

Meanwhile, in a television interview, Año confirmed the IATF's recommendation but clarified that this could still be changed as some local chief executives may appeal what is stated in the recommendation.

"'Yan ay maaari pang magbago kasi ipinadala natin sa mga LGUs ang recommendation natin at mayroon pa silang kaukulang panahon para mag-appeal kung mayroon silang gustong ipabago at idedepensa nila 'yung kanilang position," Año told CNN.

If GCQ will be implemented in Metro Manila as well as other areas, Año said mayors could still declare total lockdown in high-risk areas.  "Mayroon silang authority mag-declare ng total lockdown sa mga high-risk barangays," he said.

He noted that the cities of Quezon, Manila and Parañaque are being strictly monitored because of the number of COVID-19 cases in these areas. -- with Joviland Rita and Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News