Gov't places Davao City under MECQ due to spike in COVID-19 cases

The government has placed Davao City under the stricter modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from June 5 to 20, 2021, due to an increase in the number of  COVID-19 cases.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who is also the spokesperson for the national COVID-19 task force, made the announcement a day after Davao city appealed for imposition of MECQ in the city

The local government of Davao City, hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte, cited as reason for its request the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the city. It said Southern Philippines Medical Center, the biggest hospital in the city, has almost reached its full capacity for COVID-19 patients.

As this developed, the IATF also placed General Santos city under under the less restrictive general community quarantine (GCQ) from June 5 to 30.

MECQ prohibits non-essential trips and partially allows non-essential businesses and services to operate.

GCQ protocol, on the other hand, allows leisurely travel, although subject to compliance with Local Government Units (LGUs) guidelines. —Llanesca T. Panti/KBK, GMA News