Roque: Eased quarantine restrictions in NCR Plus likely

Areas under the National Capital Region Plus are likely to transition under eased quarantine restrictions next week, Malacañang said Thursday.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque made the pronouncement considering that health care utilization in the NCR ranges from 35% to 53%.

“Well, we are monitoring the situation. For Metro Manila, the numbers are looking good; the hospital care utilization remains very low or at 53% in ICU beds, and that is one of the most important factors for escalation [of quarantine restrictions],” Roque said.

“I would say in fact that based on the figures, Metro Manila Plus might be looking at de-escalation. It might not be to MGCQ but it could be to ordinary GCQ because the GCQ in effect right now is with restrictions,” Roque added.

GCQ stands for General Community Quarantine (GCQ) which partially allows leisurely travel and resumption of non-essential businesses and services to as much as 75%.

NCR Plus includes Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal.

Roque said the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) will also be meeting Thursday to discuss the reopening of gyms and fitness centers.

Also on the table for IATF decision is possible resumption of indoor non-contact sports, as well as indoor tourism activities. — Llanesca T. Panti/RSJ, GMA News