Roque: Duterte won’t discuss NCR COVID-19 quarantine situation in Monday address

Malacañang on Monday said President Rodrigo Duterte will address the nation tonight but won't discuss the COVID-19 quarantine classification for Metro Manila.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque made the statement given that Metro Manila, the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, will be under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from August 6 to 20.

Under ECQ protocol, only essential trips and essential services are allowed to operate. Likewise, ECQ only allows those working in essential industries such as food and medicine to physically report to work.

"That won't be discussed. The next quarantine classification will be out by Thursday or after the period where LGUs can appeal their quarantine classification," Roque said.

No automatic extension

Roque said government's pandemic task force will discuss the quarantine protocol for Metro Manila on Tuesday.

"The Metro Manila mayors are yet to submit recommendation on quarantine classification. A meeting on that is yet to happen," he added.

Roque, however, said that extending ECQ will not be automatic after August 20 since it takes time before the results of quarantine restrictions are reflected on number of COVID-19 cases recorded.

"Our objective is to bring down cases but we can't have people getting hungry. We are for total health," Roque said.

"We will look at the data because the effect of restrictions could be seen after two weeks," he added. — RSJ, GMA News