Metro Manila mayors want a shorter curfew time to make way for the upcoming traditional Simbang Gabi.
Also, Metro Manila Council Chairman and Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez said yesterday that they also recommend to the national government that the general community quarantine (GCQ) in the National Capital Region (NCR) be extended until the end of the month while shortening the curfew hours and make way for holding Simbang Gabi.
Olivarez clarified that due to the increasing number of coronavirus disease cases in 2019, Metro Manila should remain in the GCQ.
The OCTA Research group initially warned that NCR could have up to 1,000 cases per day if not monitored.
Experts warn that the number of virus cases in the country continues to rise due to the relaxation of Metro Manila people.
“Makikita po natin parang nagluluwag nang konti so ‘di po natin pwedeng ibaba ang quarantine at (kailangan) i-maintain ang ating health protocol na pinatutupad. Meron tayong slight na pagtaas ng cases all over Metro Manila,” said Olivarez on Teleradyo.
“Yan ‘yung reason bakit natin nirekomenda ang pagme-maintain ng GCQ, para maibsan ang gatherings at pagluluwag ng negosyo. Pero kailangan magbukas na ng mga negosyo. ‘Yung protocols kailangan ipatupad ng local government units,” he added.
The mayors agreed to start the curfew hours from 12:00 midnight to 3:00 am.
Olivarez clarified that this is what the Metro mayors agreed on, but they still have to wait for the amendment to be issued in each city’s previous curfew ordinances.
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Metro Manila mayors agree on short curfew amid GCQ
In a public address aired on Monday night, President Rodrigo Duterte announced the following areas would be under GCQ until December 31:
- National Capital Region
- Batangas
- Iloilo City
- Tacloban City
- Lanao del Sur
- Iligan
- Davao City
Meanwhile, the rest of the country is still under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said general community quarantine (GCQ) remained over Metro Manila and other areas to prevent a COVID-19 surge during the Christmas holiday season.