Metro Manila mayors ready for either GCQ or MGCQ —MMDA exec

Metro Manila mayors are prepared on the possibilities for the National Capital Region of either remaining under general community quarantine status,  or a more relaxed modified GCQ next month.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Jojo Garcia said on Tuesday night, "May data naman na... nakikita naman 'yung numero.. sabi nga ng mga mayor, mahal natin ang ekonomiya... nandito na ang vaccines, malapit na, ayaw natin ng may surge habang nag-aayos ng bakuna. Kung io-open ng kaunti, gagawing MGCQ, okay rin 'yan." 

"It depends kung ano ang magiging guidelines. kung GCQ okay pa rin, we welcome that," Garcia added.

Garcia did not specify what quarantine status the Metro Manila Council has recommended to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the National Capital Region.

According to Garcia, the new coronavirus variant was one of the major factors being considered in coming up with a decision if Metro Manila will remain under GCQ or if there will be an easing-up of quarantine status. 

He assured the public that health experts have been consulted regarding the matter.

Vaccines

On the other hand, Garcia said local government units are preparing for the official roll out of the COVID-19 vaccines.

Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. had said vaccines may arrive in the country by February.

As to public concerns regarding vaccination, Garcia said it is safe so long as the vaccines are approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

"Ang paghandaan natin itong vaccination. Sa limited supply ng bakuna, kapag mali ang handling, sayang ang bakuna... mapapanis," Garcia said.

Also, he noted that health workers would be prioritized in the vaccination program.

Earlier, Galvez appealed to the public to trust the government's vaccination program, noting that the administration will only purchase safe and effective vaccines.

As of Tuesday, the Philippines recorded a total of 516,166 COVID-19 infections, with 475,423 recoveries and 10,386 fatalities. —LBG, GMA News