Sara Duterte: Davao City will be under GCQ again by July 16

Davao City is expected to slide back to general community quarantine (GCQ) protocol amid the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the city, Mayor Sara Duterte said.

Mayor Sara, daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte, made the announcement in a live interview over the city-owned Davao City Disaster Radio on Monday, citing advanced information from the National Task Force Against COVID-19.

“We have received advance information from IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) that Davao City will be classified under GCQ by July 15. We will try to appeal because LGUs are allowed to appeal [that status] based on  data that we have,” she said, referring to the President's expected announcement of fresh quarantine protocols on July 15.

“But if our appeal is denied, we should get ready for a GCQ status. I request everyone to review the July 2 version of our omnibus guidelines, go over the guidelines under GCQ so we remember what we should do during a GCQ,” she added.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the IATF will decide on the appeals of local government units regarding their possible quarantine status on Tuesday. President Duterte will announce on Wednesday the quarantine classifications starting July 16.

For his part, Davao City Public Safety and Security Command Center head Angel Sumagaysay said they are ready in case the city will return to GCQ.

“Ang security cluster naman is always ready to provide support whatever na mga hakbangin ng ating local government unit,” he said in a televised briefing.

“Kung ito ang nakikita ngayon na medyo mapaigi natin ang laban against this pandemic, why not, after all ito iyong magiging … nagiging recommendation ng ating mga health experts.”

Under the Omnibus Guidelines for GCQ issued by the city mayor, dine-in services in restaurant and food establishments are limited to 30% capacity. Likewise, gathering of more than 10 people is prohibited.

Davao City is currently under the less stringent modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) which allows dine-in services in restaurant and food establishments at 50% capacity.

MGCQ also allows mass gathering for government and business offices but only at 50% seating capacity of the said venues.

Davao City has recorded 579 COVID-19 cases, so far. Of this number, 162 are active cases, 382 have recovered while 35 others died.

Given the situation, Duterte strongly urged her constituents to stay at home except when buying food and medicine, wash hands frequently, observe social distancing, and wear masks whenever they need to go out of their homes.

"The government cannot watch you 24/7, that is why the public should have a stay-at-home mentality. We want to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases para hindi ma-overwhelm ang ating hospitals," she said.

"Kung may mga taong hindi susunod sa health protocols, there is a ripple effect," she added.—AOL/LDF, GMA News