Cebu City to extend enhanced community quarantine until May 15

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 22) — The mayor of Cebu City announced on Wednesday that it will extend its enhanced community quarantine until May 15, following the surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in the Queen City of the South.

Mayor Edgar Labella said he will issue an executive order next week on the extension of the quarantine which was initially set to be lifted on April 28.

According to Labella, the decision was based on recommendations of health experts, as the city recorded 139 new infectionson Wednesday, bringing the total to 312.

“There is a need to extend our ECQ as COVID-19 cases continue to rise due to the fact that we have been doing targeted, massive testing of residents in the barangays, where there are positive cases,” the mayor said.

He added that they will “immediately lift” the city-wide quarantine once they record a significant decrease in confirmed cases.

“I understand that the increasing numbers being reported is a cause of concern and worry for all of us," Labella said. "However, what the city government needs right now is the full cooperation of everyone as we continue to fight this invisible enemy."

The mayor appealed to the public to strictly observe quarantine protocols.

The Department of Health has recorded 6,710 cases of COVID-19 nationwide, with 693 recoveries and 446 deaths. Health spokesperson Ma. Rosario Vergeire said this does not include yet the new recorded cases in Cebu City.