IATF choosing between ECQ extension, MECQ in NCR after Aug. 20 —Año

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) is considering extending the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said on Thursday.

Interviewed on Dobol B TV, Año, who is also the vice chairperson of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, also said shifting the region to modified ECQ (MECQ) is also an option for them.

“Ang choice natin puwedeng i-retain ang ECQ for another week or until the end of the month or puwedeng baba tayo sa MECQ para makapagbukas yung ibang negosyo,” he said.

(Our options are either retaining ECQ for another week or until the end of the month or downgrading to MECQ so that other businesses could open up.)

ECQ is the strictest of all health protocols where only essential travels and services are allowed. Under the less restrictive MECQ, on the other hand, more businesses are allowed to open.

Año said the IATF will have a meeting on Thursday to discuss the next quarantine classifications of various areas.

According to him, no funds are available right now for the cash assistance for individuals who will be affected in case the ECQ is extended.

Metro Manila was placed under ECQ from August 6 to 20 in light of the transmission of the Delta coronavirus variant in the country.

Bataan, meanwhile, was also placed under ECQ until August 22.  —KBK, GMA News