President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the more convenient community quarantine starting June 1 for Metro Manila, Region 2, Region 3, Region 4-A (Calabarzon), Albay, Pangasinan and Davao City , the country’s epicenter for the coronavirus pandemic.
As of May 28, the country reported 15,588 confirmed COVID-19. Recoveries have reached 3,598, while 921 have died of the disease.
Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) recommends the resumption of mass transportation – except for jeepneys – under general community quarantine .
This is also in line with the recommendation of all 17 mayors of the National Capital Region to shift from modified enhanced community quarantine to a more relaxed GCQ to allow more nonessential businesses to reopen in the hopes of restarting the economy and helping workers amid the COVID-19 crisis.
In a GCQ set-up, Checkpoints would remain but only randomly implemented so as not to cause traffic jams. Authorities will continue to enforce health protocols such as the wearing of face masks and physical distancing. (EP)
