Metro Manila mayors recommend GCQ extension

Metro Manila mayors have unanimously agreed to recommend the extension of the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in the National Capital Region to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

MMC Chairman and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez stated that the consensus among mayors is to extend the GCQ, acknowledging the rising number of COVID-19 cases in NCR.

The IATF is carefully studying how to balance economic recovery with public health protection, including potentially increasing restaurant dine-in capacity from 30% to 50%.

Olivarez explained that this approach is being referred to as a 'Hybrid GCQ', where some establishments will be allowed to operate to help the economy, while still maintaining health protocols.

Local chief executives have been given the authority by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the IATF to implement this 'Hybrid GCQ', ensuring areas not heavily affected can continue economic activities.