The Philippine government has indicated that Metro Manila will likely remain under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) for some time, seemingly ending hopes that the city’s casinos will be able to reopen anytime soon.
Despite talk in recent days that the Presidential Palace, Malacañang, would consider transitioning the National Capital Region from GCQ to the less restrictive Modified GCQ (MGCQ) under which a range of businesses, including gaming operations, would be allowed to open, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque last night poured cold water on the idea.
“That was not part of any recommendation made,” said Roque, referencing discussions between the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and Manila mayors.
“That’s what the economic managers want, but it is not the recommendation made by anyone, mayors or the IATF, during the meetings.
Philippine President Rodrigo, who first placed Manila into GCQ on 15 March, is due to provide another update on Wednesday where it is expected he will extend the quarantine period for another two weeks until the end of the month – pushing Manila’s casino closures into a fifth month.
The Philippines continues to struggle against the spread of COVID-19, having now recorded a total of 57,006 cases including 836 new cases reported on Monday.
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