TEN out of 17 mayors in Metro Manila are in favor of extending the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) for 15 more days or until the end of May, the Metro Manila Development Council (MMDA) said Monday, May 11.

“Wala pong naging unanimous decision, pero nagkaroon po ng unanimous suggestion; isa po diyan ‘yung pag-extend ng ECQ hanggang May 31,” MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago said.

“Ten out of 17 Metro Manila mayors po ang in favor i-extend ang ECQ hanggang May 31 ‘yan ho sa kadahilanan na kinokonsidera po ang health at kaligtasan po ng ating mga kababayan,” she added.

The official said that public health is still at risk if the government decides to ease the quarantine restrictions.

“Masyadong risky po para sa ating mga kababayan na habang tuloy-tuloy pa po ang mass testing, contact tracing, ay iyong paglipat po sa mga PUIs (persons under investigation) at PUMs (persons under monitoring),” she said.

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to announce later Monday, May 11, whether to extend or lift the ECQ in high-risk areas.

Under an extended ECQ until May 15 are Metro Manila, Central Luzon except Aurora, Calabarzon, Pangasinan, Benguet, Iloilo, Cebu, Davao City, Bacolod City, Albay and Zamboanga City.

The rest of the country shifted to general community quarantine (GCQ) on May 1.

Under GCQ, public transport systems will be allowed to resume at limited capacity and selected industries may reopen with limited workforce and provided that minimum health standards and social distancing are observed. (SunStar Philippines)