The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging infectious Diseases is finalizing the guidelines on the general community quarantine (GCQ) or the “new normal setting” to be implemented in some areas this May.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the GCQ will be lighter than the ECQ in terms of guidelines but both policies will still be monitored by authorities.
“Bagama’t ang Metro Manila, at ilan pang lugar gaya ng Cebu at Davao, ay mananatili sa ECQ, importante rin na lahat malaman kung anong GCQ kasi ito na po ang new normal. Kung posible na pong bumaba sa GCQ ang areas na ECQ, ito rin po ang ipapatupad ng gobyerno (Although Metro Manila and other areas like Cebu and Davao remain under ECQ, it is important to know the GCQ since it is the new normal. If some areas under ECQ may be placed under GCQ, the government will implement the same guidelines),” Roque explained.
Amid public concerns on what industries will be allowed to operate under the new normal setting, the government is reviewing the suggestion to allow beauty shops to operate. Roque clarified some industries such as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) will remain closed whether under GCQ or ECQ. He also encouraged businesses that will be allowed to open under GCQ to have their workers tested for COVID-19 and to disinfect their environment. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
