Metro mayors agree on 8p.m-5a.m curfew during GCQ

MALACANANG on Wednesday announced that a unified curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. will be implemented by local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila.

Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said this was the agreement reached among Metro Manila mayors after President Rodrigo Duterte reverted the National Capital Region, and the nearby provinces of Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite, and Rizal back to a more relaxed general community quarantine (GCQ).

“I understand that the mayors voted and there was a majority that the curfew hours should be 8 (p.m.) to 5 (a.m.),” Roque said during an interview with CNN Philippines.

Metro Manila, the epicenter of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in the country, transitioned to GCQ on Wednesday after two weeks of modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) or stricter lockdown.

Roque maintained that tight health protocols would still be followed even with the GCQ.

Roque reiterated that mass gatherings— including religious services— would be limited to 10 persons for areas under GCQ.

He also said that the reopening of gyms, internet cafes, review and tutorial centers were prohibited for the duration of the GCQ.

“There’s a bit of confusion here because the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) issued guidelines that these businesses are allowed,” Roque said, but noted that Cabinet members affirmed the temporary suspension of these businesses as early as July.

On the other hand, restaurants and salons are allowed to operate at a certain capacity that will be determined by the LGUs.

“The mayors asked for more discretion in opening sensitive industries and businesses,” Roque said.

LGUs can also issue quarantine passes for individuals who need to go outside their homes to access essential goods and services, he added.

To date, there are 94,842 Covid-19 cases in Metro Manila, according to the Department of Health’s tracker. This is more than half of the 169,213 Covid-19 cases nationwide, which includes 2,687 deaths and 112,861 recoveries.

Source: TheManila Times