Velasco says GCQ with heightened restrictions in NCR Plus a 'good median'

House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco believes that placing the NCR Plus under general community quarantine with heightened restrictions is a good median to balance health and economy amid the pandemic.

In a press statement released on Friday, Velasco supported the decision of the national government to place Metro Manila and the provinces of Bulacan, Laguna, Rizal, and Cavite under GCQ with heightened restrictions from May 15 to 31.

"Given the need to revive consumer spending, but balanced with the threat of new variants, 'GCQ with heightened restrictions' is a good median," Velasco said.

"Placing NCR Plus under this new quarantine category is a well calibrated way to slowly open our economy. While it is understandable that some quarters would like all restrictions to be lifted at once, we have also seen how this has resulted in a spike in COVID-19 cases," he added.

Under the quarantine status, non-essential travel is still prohibited in and out of the NCR Plus.

Among the economic activities allowed under the new quarantine classification are indoor dine-in services at 20% venue or seating capacity, outdoor or al fresco dining at 50% venue or seating capacity, and outdoor tourism.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said at least 200,000 jobs are expected to be restored amid the latest quarantine classification.—AOL, GMA News