By Jel Santos
The Metro Manila Council (MMC), comprised of 17 Metro Manila mayors, on Tuesday, May 12, said they are prepared for the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ).
A soldier wearing a protective mask checks a woman's quarantine pass in Pasay City, April 22, 2020. (REUTERS/Eloisa LopezREUTERS / MANILA BULLETIN)
This came after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) decided to impose MECQ in Metro Manila, Laguna, and Cebu City from May 16 to 31.
Speaking in behalf of the MMC, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Jose Arturo Garcia said they accept the decision of the IATF.
“It is Okay. We (MMC) accept the decision and everybody is ready,” he told reporters when asked for the reaction of the Council.
MECQ entails limited movement within zones for obtaining essential services and work, and operation of selected manufacturing and processing plants with maximum of 50 percent workforce.
Moreover, limited transportation services will be available to the public, and physical classes are suspended.
On May 11, MMDA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Celine Pialago said 10 out of the 17 mayors in the metropolis voted for the extension of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) because they fear for a second wave of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila.