Metro Manila Council chairman Edwin Olivarez told the Philippine Star 14 out of the 17 mayors in the city to place NCR under GCQ or general community quarantine starting June 1.
Olivares, Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian and Navotas Mayor Toby Tiango are among those reported to favor the shift to the GCQ.
The Department of National Defense (DND) said Saturday that it is also possible to ease the modified enhanced community quarantine to the GCQ starting next Sunday.
Unlike ECQ, limited public transportation in “low-risk” and limited return of employees to their physical work is allowed in GCQ areas.
“More likely mag-gi-GCQ na tayo [we will shift to GCQ] by June 1,” said Lorenzana to media in an event in Camp Aguinaldo.
“Ang pinag-uusapan naming sa [Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases], e mag-GCQ pero ‘yung mga areas na meron pa ring… mga infection baka ‘yun na lang ang ikontrol nang konti.” he added.
(We are discussing in Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases that we could transition to GCQ, but those areas with infection are to be controlled.)
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Metro Manila may transition to GCQ
During GCQ, inter-island travel is allowed, as well as going to other GCQ areas. People could also play limited-contact sports such as golf and tennis.
While it may be possible to go outside for exercise in the GCQ areas, anyone under the age of 21 and 60 is prohibited from leaving the house, including pregnant and those with additional health risks, except for essential services and needs.
Senator Panfilo Lacson also favored easing the quarantine restrictions to restore the economic activities in NCR.
Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon meanwhile said there must be a scientific basis should Metro Manila would shift to general community quarantine (GCQ) on June 1.