Malacañang: Some Metro Manila cities will remain under ECQ

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said only a few Metro Manila cities will be shifted to general community quarantine (GCQ) after May 15. 

Roque was mum over what specific cities will be under GCQ and ECQ (enhanced community quarantine ). 

He however said that Metro Manila and Davao City are considered critical areas for COVID-19 in the Philippines. 

Roque said the decision on quarantine lifting will also depend on the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in each area. The highest recorded cases of COVID-19 in Metro Manila are in Quezon City, Manila, Parañaque, Makati and Mandaluyong.

“The decision [to lift ECQ] is precisely, can we provide critical care to those who might get sick. There are areas that might be declared GCQ. Trust the IATF. This will be a reasoned scientific decision,” Roque said.   

Metro Manila mayors met over the weekend and recommended to the IATF three quarantine options: extend the ECQ for 15 more days; shift to GCQ; and modify the quarantine rules when the ECQ lapses on May 15.

Roque said the IATF has yet to decide on the said recommendations.