Metro Manila, Bulacan under GCQ with ‘some restrictions’ until June 30
NCR Plus is effectively dismantled with two kinds of GCQ restrictions for Metro Manila and four surrounding provinces.
President Rodrigo Duterte announced tonight, June 14, the new quarantine classifications in the country. From June 16 to 30, NCR (Metro Manila) and Bulacan will be under GCQ (General Community Quarantine) with “some restrictions,” while Rizal, Cavite and Laguna will go back to GCQ with “heightened restrictions.”
Areas under GCQ without restrictions are Baguio, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Benguet, Batangas, Quezon, Iligan, Davao del Norte, Gen. Santos, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, Cotabato City.
The President also scored travelers, particularly to Boracay, who reportedly faked their COVID-19 tests and ordered the arrest of anyone who presents fake test results. “Don’t do that or you will be compromised. I am also directing the Department of Tourism (DOT), PNP and LGUs to arrest those presenting fake tests and enforce strict compliance.”
He said that it would be better if Filipinos can postpone their travel plans, contradicting the DOT’s campaign to help various provinces revive tourism.
“I know that you are itching to travel, pero kung may ibang panahon na magawa mo yan, do it at some other time.”
He added that 6 million Filipinos have been vaccinated covering A1 (medical workers, frontliners), A2 (senior citizens), A3 (persons with co-morbidities) and A4 (economic frontliners).
Health Secretary Francisco Duque said the COVID infections in the country have reached a plateau. The past four weeks, from May 17 to June 13, have seen about 6,197 news cases a day.
Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez said that the Philippines is about to breach 7 million vaccine doses administered, representing 6.48% of the population. The country received 4.28 million doses of vaccines last week, with 6 million to be delivered before the end of June.
At present, the Philippines has a stable supply of 10 to 15 million a month, he added. In the third quarter of the year, 45 million doses are expected to be delivered.
The US’ initial donation of 80 million doses will be given to poor countries that include those in Southeast Asia, and its additional 500 million doses “will favorably impact our Covax deliveries.”
Banner photo by KrizJohn Rosales/Philippine Star