Gov't changes mind, bans religious gatherings in areas under GCQ
MANILA, Philippines — Religious meetings and other events that draw big crowds are still prohibited even in areas placed under less stringent lockdowns, Malacañang said Friday, a reversal of its previous announcement that stirred up concerns on social distancing.
In a televised press conference, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the revised guidelines were issued in response to complaints from local government officials who flagged infection risks as social distancing measures would be “impossible” to enforce during mass gatherings.
“Work gatherings and religious activities are still not allowed even in areas under (general community quarantine),” Roque said.
Last March 17, President Rodrigo Duterte placed Luzon under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), which paralyzed immigration, travel, commerce and gatherings in the main island in a desperate bid to stem the spread of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).
The quarantine had since been extended until May 15 for “high-risk” places including Metro Manila and neighboring areas, while “low- and moderate risk” areas will transition to a more relaxed general community quarantine (GCQ) starting May 1.
The movement of people in areas under general community quarantine will be limited to accessing essential goods and services, and for work in offices and industries permitted to operate. — Ian Nicolas Cigaral
Other regions and provinces in the Philippines considered moderate and low-risk areas will be placed under general community quarantine starting May 1. Bookmark this page for updates. (Main image by The STAR/Edd Gumban)
The health department registers 1,474 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the national caseload to 2,824,499.
- New deaths: 205
- New recoveries: 2,565
- Total active cases: 22,070
The Department of Health reports an additional 1,485 COVID-19 infections, bringing the national tally to to 2,823,210.
- New deaths: 277
- New recoveries: 1,393
- Total active cases: 23,200
The Department of Health registers 1,297 new COVID-19 cases, biringing the national caseload to 2,821,753.
- New deaths: 305
- New recoveries: 1,956
- Total active cases: 23,158
The Department of Health registers 2,646 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the national tally to 2,809,311.
- Active cases: 29,138 or 1.0% of the total
- Deaths: 99, pushing the count to 44,665
- Recoveries: 4,029 bringing the number to 2,735,508
The Department of Health logs 1,409 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the national tally to 2,806,694.
- Active cases: 30,544 or 1.1% of the total
- Deaths: 46, pushing the count to 44,567
- Recoveries: 2,941 bringing the number to 2,731,583
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