With the two-week hard lockdown set to expire tomorrow, Metro Manila is left with only two community quarantine options --- extend ECQ or deescalate to MECQ this month.
The final decision on new community quarantine status of the capital region is expected to be announced by President Duterte on August 20, according to the Palace.
The country also posted its second-highest daily increase in coronavirus cases while the health department is mulling to give booster shoots to health workers. The country's vaccine supply will also be augmented by the additional donations from China. A budget of P240.7 billion has also been proposed to sustain the government's COVID-19 response next year.
These are among the major stories on Thursday, August 19, 2021.
ECQ or MECQ in Metro Manila?
Coronavirus situation update
More vaccine supply, higher inoculation rate
When will health workers get their allowances?
OFW repatriation from Afghanistan
Auditing government agencies
Supreme Court decision
Balesin wedding controversy
DA denies fund irregularities
How to mitigate the impact of climate change
There's still time to register to vote
Olympian joins PH Coast Guard
Clark airport is reaping praises for its world-class design
EDUCATION CORNER
Work permits for foreigners
Weather update
METRO ROUNDUP
BUSINESS CORNER