DAVAO CITY – Davao Oriental's lone city has welcomed the announcement of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) that it will soon downgrade to general community quarantine (GCQ) the existing enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the city, as ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte Friday morning.
"The people of Mati welcomes the Palace directive placing the province of Davao Oriental under the General Community Quarantine. This is the new normal and we will abide by whatever guidelines the national government will impose. We have been under community quarantine for more than a month now and this GCQ declaration is our much-needed breather," Mayor Michelle Rabat said in a statement.
Nevertheless, Rabat said residents should still adhere to health measures in place even while on GCQ to prevent the spread of the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the city.
"Keep wearing your face masks, maintain social distancing, frequently wash your hands, disinfect your homes. The war against Covid-19 is far from over," Rabat said.
Malacañang ordered the downgrading of quarantine measures on provinces that have not exhibited an increase in the number of Covid-19 infections.
In Davao Region, the provinces of Davao Occidental, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental were included in the downgrade order, while the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao City will remain under ECQ.
According to Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, the GCQ "will be the new normal".
Under GCQ, Roque said every resident must still "observe social distancing, wear face masks, practice frequent handwashing and other health measures".
Areas under GCQ may allow workers in certain sectors to resume working in phases.
“Young people, senior citizens, and those with high health risks would stay at home,” Roque said.
For GCQ areas, restricted mall opening covering non-leisure shops would be allowed. There will be mandatory temperature checks, mandatory wearing of masks, mandatory alcohol use. A limited number of people, particularly those aged 21 to 59, with identification cards and not looking sickly, would be allowed in establishments.
Priority and essential construction projects would likewise be allowed to resume, subject to minimum health standards, physical distancing, and barracks for workers.
Public transport modes would likewise be allowed to operate at reduced capacity. Local government units (LGUs) would enforce curfew at night for non-workers, Roque said. (PNA)
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