Some Metro Manila cities may shift to GCQ after May 15

Malacañang announced that some cities in Metro Manila might be placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) after May 15 if COVID-19 cases slow down and local government units have adequate health system capacity.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque stated that the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases will decide on the shift from enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to GCQ.

Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III noted that while it is too early to make definitive predictions, there are indications that the country's COVID-19 curve is starting to flatten.

An epidemiologist observed that the doubling time for COVID-19 cases and deaths has slowed, indicating a potential flattening of the curve, but warned that this does not mean the outbreak is ending soon.

The government is urging the public to continue adhering to quarantine rules to help the IATF make informed decisions regarding the potential easing of restrictions.

Some Metro Manila cities, including San Juan and Valenzuela, are among those with improving health conditions that may be considered for a shift to GCQ.

The government continues to enhance the country's healthcare capacity, focusing on testing, isolation, critical care beds, and the number of We Heal As One Centers.