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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Be cautious on ECQ lifting, task force official tells public

Be cautious on ECQ lifting, task force official tells public

Published May 17, 2020 12:00 am
By Rizal Obanil The spokesperson of the National Task Force (NTF) against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Sunday, May 17, expressed alarm over the public’s excitement over the relaxation of some quarantine restrictions under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ). In an interview over Dobol B sa News TV, retired General Restituto Padilla said: “Nababahala po ang NTF sa nangyari kahapon. Naging excited po ang ating mga kababayan (We at the NTF were alarmed with what happened yesterday. Our countrymen got excited.)” Padilla said that this was probably because of a lack of better understanding of COVID-19. “We are asking our countrymen to remain calm. Let us not get too excited,” he said in the vernacular. The usual traffic woes were observed in many parts of Metro Manila, especially areas leading to the malls. Some of the malls began their operations May 16 as under the MECQ some businesses will be allowed to operate provided that they still adhere to the quarantine guidelines. Traffic jam was also reported at the portion of EDSA-Balintawak leading to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). Experts have warned of a possible spike in the number COVID-19 cases should the ECQ be lifted hastily. Instead of lifting the ECQ, government opted to implement the MECQ, which many believe will pave the way for the eventual lifting of many if not all community quarantine restrictions after May 30.
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