Mayors to let IATF decide whether to extend Metro Manila ECQ

Mayors in Metro Manila is leaving up to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to decide on the quarantine classification in the National Capital Region for the rest of August.

"We leave the decision to the wisdom and judgment of IATF. The LGUs will continue to ramping up the PDITR (Prevent-Detect-Isolate-Treat-Reintegrate) measures to further curb and mitigate the spread of the virus," Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos Jr. said Wednesday during an online press conference.

Abalos said all Metro Manila mayors had committed to implement health protocols, contact tracing, testing and vaccination regardless of quarantine status.

Metro Manila has been under the enhanced community quarantine since August 6. The ECQ will end on Aug. 20, Friday.

Asked why they deferred the decision to IATF, Abalos said did not directly answer but he mentioned that giving financial aid amid the strict lockdown is still an issue.

He said the national government will likely not provide the cash assistance to ECQ-hit constituents.

"Ayuda is a big issue there kung may ayuda ang national government, I really do not know. Pero the way I see things, sila mismo nagsasabi na medyo hirap sila sa ngayon," he said.

Several Metro mayors may also enforce granular lockdowns to mitigate virus contagion in their areas.

"Ngayon palang babalaan ko ang lahat na ang mga mayors magkakaroon ng granular lockdowns. (I am warning everyone that mayors will impose granular lockdowns.)," he said.

Outdoor exercise ban ends on Aug. 20

The resolution on banning outdoor exercise still ends on August 20, Abalos said.

He said exercise will be allowed but only in front of their houses. Likewise, health protocols should still be followed.

"Sa 20, yung exercise expired na po iyan. Puwede magexercise sa tapat ng bahay ninyo pero mag-ingat ka, mag-face shield ka," he said.

(On Aug. 20, the exercise ban will expire. They can still do exercise but only in front of their houses, they must also wear face shields.) —NB, GMA News