Metro Manila mayors to tackle MGCQ shift amid COVID-19 variant concerns

The Metro Manila Council is set to convene on January 26 to deliberate on the potential shift of the National Capital Region to a modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

Parañaque Mayor and MMC Chairman Edwin Olivarez stated that a significant decrease in active COVID-19 cases is necessary before Metro Manila can transition to a more relaxed quarantine status.

A key topic of discussion will be the potential impact of the UK variant on the metropolis and the preventive measures that need to be in place prior to any quarantine easing.

Metro Manila is currently under general community quarantine (GCQ) which is set to expire at the end of January.

The council will also address recommendations regarding the easing of age restrictions for movement.

Currently, most mayors are not in favor of relaxing age restrictions, especially with the detection of a new coronavirus variant and the unavailability of vaccines.

The mayors sought advice from medical experts, including pediatricians and consultants, who also advised against lowering the age bracket for movement restrictions.