COVID-19 Metro Manila remains under General Community Quarantine until 30 September

Metro Manila and four other areas will remain under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) until the end of the month, 30 September 2020. The provinces of Bulacan and Batangas, and the cities of Tacloban and Bacolod will also remain under GCQ as declared by President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, 31 August 2020.

This is the first time that quarantine classifications will last for a month instead of the usual two-week period. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez earlier said longer periods for quarantine classifications would provide stability in business operations.

Lopez adds the GCQ that will be implemented this month will be less strict. In line with this, non-contact gyms, drive-in cinemas, Internet cafes, as well as personal grooming services, and review centers are now allowed operate.

Iligan City in Lanao del Norte meanwhile is placed under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) while the rest of the country will be under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ), which is the least stringent form of lockdown.

Minimum health standards such as wearing face masks and face shields, practicing physical distancing, and promoting frequent hand washing remain in place under all levels of community quarantine.

As of 31 August, there are 220,819 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines with 3,558 resulting in deaths.