NCR mayors to implement 8 p.m.–5 a.m. curfew during MECQ

All of the mayors in Metro Manila have agreed to implement a unified curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as the modified enhanced community quarantine begins in National Capital Region on Monday until April 31, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

MMDA chairman Benhur Abalos said Metro Manila Council (MMC) also agreed that authorized persons outside residence (APOR) are not covered by the curfew.

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“Meanwhile, authorized persons outside residence (APOR) are still exempted from the curfew provided they show proof of identification or certificate of employment to authorities,” Abalos said.

The curfew in Metro Manila during the two-week ECQ was 6 pm to 5 am.

 Plus (Metro Manila and 4 neighboring provinces) have been placed under a more relaxed modified enhanced community quarantine () until the end of April despite the continued increase in COVID-19 cases.

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The MECQ will run from April 12 to 30 in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said this Sunday.

NCR mayors to implement 8 p.m.–5 a.m. curfew during MECQ

Also subject to the MECQ, the second-highest of the 4 government lockdown levels, are Santiago City in Isabela and the provinces of Quirino and Abra.

On Monday, the difference between enhanced community quarantine and MECQ will be explained.

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Prior to the announcement, the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians said it was not yet time to ease the quarantine restrictions.

It is said that the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise, where the health care workers themselves are getting sick.

“Obvious sa mga numero na nasa kasagsagan pa rin tayo ng surge. Hindi pa bumababa ang mga numero. Gaya sa mga ospital natin, dahil sa dami ng kaso, kulang pa rin ang mga ospital. Mga pasyente natin, nahihirapan pa rin makakita ng ospital na tatanggap sa kanila,” said Philippine Academy of Family Physicians President Dr. Aileen Espina.

“This is beyond the capacity of the healthcare system to respond to the current situation,” said Espina.

Meanwhile, the OCTA Research Group said Monday that the enhanced community quarantine () imposed in NCR Plus (Metro Manila and nearby provinces) was “effective” and a downtrend of COVID-19 cases could be expected next week.