(SPOT.ph) The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases, on May 12, announced that most of the Philippines is ready to be eased out of an enhanced community quarantine and into a general community quarantine; while Metro Manila, Cebu City, and Laguna will be under modified enhanced community quarantine starting on May 16. Local government units, however, have the power to impose a lockdown in specific barangays as they see fit; and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez is placing at least five barangays in the city under "strict community quarantine" for three days next week. Dates have yet to be announced.
These barangays saw a surge of residents infected with COVID-19: San Antonio with 79 cases, BF Homes with 66 cases, San Dionisio with 64 cases, Don Bosco with 59 cases, Moonwalk with 51 cases, and Baclaran with 43 cases. According to Manila Bulletin, the whole city recorded a total of 578 positive COVID-19 cases as of May 10.
During the "strict community quarantine," markets, money remittance centers, gasoline stations, stores, banks, and other essential services will remain closed. Vehicles are also not allowed through the checkpoints. Olivarez, however, assured residents that the city government will be distributing food packs and cash aids separate from the Social Amelioration Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Main photo from Kat Patino-Marquez/Real Living
this strange new world.