DILG: Some areas may enter 'new normal' by July

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año stated that some areas may transition to the "new normal" phase starting in July, following the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) period.

Año clarified that the "new normal" is essentially the MGCQ, which follows stricter quarantine levels like Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

Most areas, including Metro Manila, are expected to remain under GCQ throughout June due to the continued reporting of new COVID-19 cases.

Other areas being closely monitored for potential spikes include Regions II, III, IV-A, and Cebu City.

The "new normal" refers to new habits and minimum public health standards that must be adopted in the absence of a widely available COVID-19 vaccine.

Despite the potential downgrade to the "new normal," strict quarantine protocols such as wearing face masks, practicing hygiene, maintaining social distancing, and observing curfew hours will still be enforced.