The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease has formally recommended to President Rodrigo Duterte the extension of Luzon lockdown until April 30, 2020.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles and IATF spokesperson emphasized the current guidelines for the enhanced community quarantine will remain in effect unless changed by Duterte.
“The IATF formally recommends to the Office of the President the extension of the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine in the entirety of Luzon up to April 30, 2020, 11:59 PM,” Nograles said Tuesday in a virtual briefing.
“Provided, that all exemptions granted by the Office of the President or the IATF shall continue to be in effect for the duration of the extended ECQ. Provided further that such extension of the ECQ shall be without prejudice to the discretion of the President to relax the implementation of the ECQ in some local jurisdictions, or the granting of exemptions in favor of certain sectors, as public health considerations and food security may warrant,” he added.
President Duterte, during his public address Monday night, said the government is “inclined” on the extension of Luzon lockdown until April 30.
Palaces spokesperson Salvador Panelo also said there was an emerging consensus for extending the Luzon-wide lockdown for another two weeks.
“There is an emerging consensus coming from medical experts, businessmen, government officials, and other well meaning individuals that an extension of two weeks for the enhanced community quarantine or lockdown is necessary,” Salvador Panelo said in an emailed statement on Sunday, April 5.
VP Leni Robredo also expressed her support to a 15-to-20-day lockdown extension but urged the government to implement a decentralization of cash aid distribution.
NEDA to propose modified lockdown in Luzon
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia on Tuesday said he create and submit a Luzon modified lockdown as the government said it is inclined to extend the lockdown until April 30.
“I would suggest that it would be some kind of a modified lockdown, maybe Metro Manila also easing some of the restrictions like transportation moving around, the opening of pharmacies and sources of food and other retail shops for basic needs of people,” he said.