On Saturday, May 9, the Metro’s top policymaking body will discuss the possibility of eventual extending of the lockdown in the Philipines.
The potential lengthening of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in all 17 cities may continue to June 15.
This news was reported by Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez, as INQUIRER reveals. Mayor Olivarez is also the chair of the Metro Manila Council (MMC), including the 17 chief executives in the National Capital Region (NCR).
By May 8th, there are 10,463 total confirmed coronavirus cases in the Philipines, with 696 deaths.
In only a day, there were 120 new cases and 11 new deaths. The recovery cases are inclining, as they have reached 1,734.
Currently, the mayors are struggling with the consequences of lifting quarantine restrictions too early. However, the Council is expected to promote its recommendation on extending the lockdown in the metropolis to the Interagency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Mayor Olivarez was the first to express his support for the ECQ extension. He pointed out to the present situation in Parañaque, Mandaluyong, Makati, and San Juan. These cities currently have the highest number of coronavirus cases per capita.
In Metro Manila, the capital of the Philipines, as well as other provinces in the country, the ECQ was expected to be downgraded to a general community quarantine after May 15.
Nonetheless, the chair of MMC said they would be backing the extension of the lockdown in case authorities deem the situation in NCR to be of ‘still dangerous magnitude’.
