Metro Manila stays under GCQ, Cebu City restrictions eased

Metro Manila will remain under general community quarantine (GCQ) until July 31, while restrictions in Cebu City will be eased.

Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque announced that Metro Manila mayors promised to intensify localized lockdowns and strengthen testing and treatment capacities despite the increasing number of cases.

Experts from UP initially recommended reimposing modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) for NCR, but after appeals by Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, President Duterte decided to extend GCQ.

Roque warned that Metro Manila could return to MECQ if the spread of COVID-19 is not slowed down in the next two weeks.

Further easing of restrictions in Metro Manila is unlikely after July 15 due to data on case doubling time and critical care capacity.