NCR, other areas placed under GCQ with ‘heightened restrictions’ until July 31 amid rising Delta cases
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque has announced that Metro Manila, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte will be placed under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) with “heightened restrictions” from July 23 to July 31, 2021.
Under GCQ with "heightened restrictions", children aged five will not be allowed outside again. Indoor gyms and tourist attractions are also restricted amid the new policy, while indoor dining is limited to a 20%-30% capacity.
The new policy follows the recommendation of the inter-agency task force (IATF) made due to the rising cases of the highly transmissible Delta COVID-19 variant.
As of writing, the country has a total of 37 active Delta variant cases. The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 12 local cases of the variant yesterday, July 23.
The health department has also confirmed the local transmission of the Delta variant.
Meanwhile, the country’s travel ban has also been extended to include neighboring countries Malaysia and Thailand beginning 12:01 AM of July 25, 2021, until 11:59 PM of July 31, 2021, per Roque.
Other banned countries that have been detected with the Delta variant include Indonesia, India, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Nepal, Oman, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
"Subject itong travel ban sa usual exception na mga Filipino na kabahagi sa repatriation and special commercial flights. [Sila] ay pwede pong pumasok ng Pilipinas" Roque said.
Photo courtesy of The STAR / Edd Gumban