BSP gov suggests easing strict quarantine after April 14

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno stated there is a reason to ease the strict enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) currently in place to combat COVID-19.

Diokno suggested that Luzon and other quarantined regions could enter a transition period after April 14 to permit increased economic activity.

During this transition, sectors such as agriculture and some manufacturing could resume operations, along with public transportation like the MRT and LRT, and some bus services.

However, malls are expected to remain closed, while restaurants might be allowed to operate for takeout and delivery services only.

The BSP Governor proposed that some businesses could be partially reopened starting April 15, with a full normalization potentially occurring a month later.

Despite the easing of restrictions, Diokno emphasized that social distancing measures would continue, including encouraging work-from-home arrangements and keeping classes, sports events, and concerts suspended.