The quarantine status of Iloilo City has been downgraded by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID) even as the number of confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases continues to rise.
From general community quarantine (GCQ), the city will be placed under the least restrictive modified GCQ starting today, Sept. 1 until the last day of the month.
The city’s new classification was approved by President Rodrigo Duterte and announced on Monday night, Aug. 31.
Mayor Jerry Treñas said the shift to MGCQ would pave the way for more economic activities.
“The cases are increasing but I think we have to allow more activities since we all cannot sustain the economic slowdown. We have to be more aggressive in promoting the health protocols. We should definitely try to use all forms of media to remind everyone. These are very difficult times.”
As of Aug. 31, the city recorded 955 COVID-19 cases, including 375 recoveries and 22 deaths.
Antique, Aklan, Guimaras, Capiz, Iloilo province and Negros Occidental will remain under MGCQ, while Bacolod City will revert GCQ.IMT
