IATF extends Albay's ECQ amid rising COVID-19 cases

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) approved Albay's request to extend its enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), reversing the earlier decision to transition to general community quarantine (GCQ).

Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal received confirmation from presidential spokesman Harry Roque on Friday evening, May 1, that the extension was granted.

The mayors of Albay's cities and municipalities had previously requested IATF-EID to reconsider its decision due to increasing coronavirus cases in the province.

Albay remains the province with the highest number of cases in Bicol, accounting for 33 out of 42 total cases in the region.

Of the 33 cases in Albay, 23 have recovered, three died, while seven are still hospitalized or under observation, highlighting ongoing public health concerns.