The mayors of Metro Manila have agreed to keep the region under general community quarantine (GCQ) until the end of the year, according to their leader.
According to Parañaque Mayor and MMC chair Edwin Olivarez, the mayors agreed to recommend the country’s pandemic task force to keep the GCQ until December 31.
GCQ is the 2nd lowest level of quarantine protocols laid down by the government today with the threat of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Under this, the business can now open and ride public transport in a limited capacity.
According to Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco, they want to prevent the COVID-19 transmission between families and friends. The government has previously banned Christmas parties and other gatherings this Christmas to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
“‘Pag may kapatid ka, kamag-anak ka na pumunta sa inyong bahay, doon tayo masyadong kumportable at di normal isipin na mahahawa ka sa mahal sa buhay na walang sintomas,” said Tiangco.
“Kami sa Navotas we’re preparing na pagdating ng January medyo tataas ang kaso even under the presence of GCQ so ‘wag na siguro nating luwagan ng konti para mas madali na sa Bagong Taon,” he added.
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Metro Manila mayors want GCQ until end of 2021
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, on the other hand, advised postponing reunions while the pandemic continues.
“Mas maganda pag nagre-reunion tayo buo. Baka mamaya nag-reunion nga tayo ngayong may COVID-19 eh next reunion konti nalang tayo dahil nagkandamatay tayo sa COVID-19. So you really have to balance. I for one is really recommending, as much as possible, limitahan ninyo on your own,” said.
Olivarez added that the GCQ would only be relaxed if the COVID-19 situation in Metro Manila is seen to go down.
These mayors also hope the Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19 would recommend the president keeping Metro Manila under GCQ.
Metro Manila mayors also agreed to suspend Christmas parties in public offices.
Individual executive orders have also been issued prohibiting physical caroling.
“Naglabas na kami ng executive order na walang physical caroling na mangyayari dito sa darating na Kapaskuhan,” Olivarez said.