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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Modified 'ECQ for MM, GCQ in many areas — Du30; jobs for 2.5 M pushed

Modified 'ECQ for MM, GCQ in many areas — Du30; jobs for 2.5 M pushed

Published May 14, 2020 12:00 am
PUNCHLINE By FRED M. LOBO Fred M. Lobo Fred M. Lobo President Duterte has placed Metro Manila and some high-risk areas under “modified enhanced community quarantine” (MECQ) but relaxed lockdown measures in many other provinces of the country. Balancing of health and economic concerns underway to save Pinoys and the country from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The President and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) said Metro Manila, the municipality of Pateros, the province of Laguna, and Cebu City will be under MECQ until the end of the month. Still “high risk” for coronavirus infection, they said.

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Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said MECQ areas will be allowed limited movement for essential services and work, operation of selective manufacturing and processing plants of up to 50 percent workforce, and limited transportation services. "Physical classes" in the nation’s schools will remain suspended, with only "online" given the green light, Roque stressed.

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Likewise, he announced that government offices will resume partial operations in MECQ areas. Partial list of services, industries, and businesses that will be allowed in MECQ areas will be announced soon, he added.

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MECQ protocols are more relaxed than ECQ measures that took effect since mid-March, he said.

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Roque said other areas will be under general community quarantine (GCQ) where limited movement for services and work, operation for government offices and industries will be allowed up to a maximum of 75 percent workforce. Limited transportation and flexible learning arrangement will also be allowed, he added.

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But Roque stressed that minimum health standards such as physical distancing will still be enforced in all quarantine areas. The wearing of masks is still a must," the President added.

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Meanwhile, Cabinet officials said the lockdown “greatly affected” the economy which contracted 0.2 percent in the first quarter of the year and rendered some 2.5 million workers jobless. Economic fund and job generation are now priorities, they said.

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The government .added it will continue with the distribution of cash assistance in ECQ areas to an additional five million families left out of the initial 18 million beneficiaries. "Ayuda still coming," Duterte assured.
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