By John Clifford Lintao
METRO Manila mayor are in favor a shortened curfew hours to give way for Simbang Gabi. In fact, they’re inserting such desire in a recommendation that would see the entire national region’s general community quarantine extended until the end of the year.
Citing the continuing log of COVID-19 cases, Metro Manila Council Chairman Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez said that they would rather keep the GCQ classification, but with some changes, one of which is that of the shortened curfew hours.
The OCTA Research group earlier warned that the region may tally up to 1,000 daily cases if left unchecked.
“Makikita po natin parang nagluluwag nang konti so di po natin pwede ibaba ang quarantine at (kailangan) i-maintain ang ating health protocol na pinatutupad. Meron tayong slight na pagtaas ng cases all over Metro Manila,” Olivarez said in a radio interview
“Yan ‘yung reason bakit natin nirekomenda ang pagme-maintain ng GCQ, para maibsan ang gatherings at pagluluwag ng negosyo. Pero kailangan magbukas na ng mga negosyo. ‘Yung protocols kailangan ipatupad ng local government units.”
Under their proposal, curfew would start 12 a.m. and end by to 3 a.m. to make way for Simbang Gabi, which begins Dec. 16.
Christmas parties in public offices are prohibited and discouraged in private establishments as only a maximum of 10 people are allowed in gatherings under GCQ, Olivarez said.