RIATF approves recommendation to place Talisay City in Cebu under GCQ —report

The Regional Inter-Agency Task Force (RIATF) has approved the recommendation of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to place Talisay City in Cebu under general community quarantine (GCQ), according to a report on Dobol B sa News TV on Saturday by Gabriel Bonjoc of Super Radyo Cebu.

Talisay City, Cebu Mayor Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas Jr. on Friday thanked Garcia for her help.

"I’ve read in my newsfeed that Talisay has been downgraded back to GCQ. I thank Gov Gwen for all her help. But remember nothing is final up until the IATF resolution is signed and given to the city. Up until then we remain in a MECQ. I’m hoping by Monday maka start nata. But let’s see lang sa," he said in a Facebook post

On Saturday, Gullas said the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) will still be in effect on Sunday until he receives a copy of the RIATF resolution.

"#STAYATHOMESUNDAYS will continue tomorrow since we are still in a MECQ up until I receive the RIATF resolution. Will post the EO within the day," he said in a Facebook post.

Earlier this week, President Rodrigo Duterte placed Talisay City in Cebu under MECQ due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases.

However, Gullas appealed to the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases to downgrade its quarantine status from MECQ to GCQ, noting the improved COVID-19 situation in the city.

Gullas also said the decision of the IATF to revert Talisay to a stricter MECQ was based on "incorrect" data given by the Department of Health Region 7. —KG, GMA News