Manila Bulletin
PH applies 'circuit breaker' in GCQ areas to curb COVD-19 surge
The government has applied a "circuit breaker" approach to tighten quarantine measures in Metro Manila and other general community quarantine (GCQ) areas until April 4 to curb the surge in COVID-19 cases.
This decision was approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases on March 18.
The tightened measures include the temporary closure of cinemas, game arcades, and limited tourist attractions.
Religious gatherings and essential business gatherings are now limited to 30 percent venue capacity.
Dine-in restaurant operations are also restricted to 50 percent venue capacity.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque stated that this approach is meant to break the chain of COVID-19 transmission and bring the infection rate down in a limited period.
The Octa Research group had previously proposed a similar circuit breaker lockdown for Metro Manila due to alarming case surges and lax restrictions.
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Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque stated that a two-week imposition of stricter general community quarantine (GCQ) in the "NCR plus" bubble is projected to decrease COVID-19 cases by at least 25%.
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Malacañang denied false text messages claiming a two-week "circuit breaker" lockdown in Metro Manila from March 22 to April 4.
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The 17 mayors of Metro Manila have unanimously voted to suspend the operations of gyms, spas, and internet cafes within their jurisdictions until April 4, 2021.
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The Quezon City government has ordered the closure of gyms, spas, and internet cafes from March 15 to 31 due to a concerning increase in COVID-19 cases, including a "serious outbreak" at one gym.
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Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Wednesday stated that he does not recommend imposing a stricter, region-wide lockdown on Metro Manila at this time.
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