IATF postpones GCQ with alert levels in NCR, Metro Manila to remain under MECQ until Sept. 15

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 7) – The Inter-Agency Task Force has postponed the implementation of the general community quarantine (GCQ) with alert levels in Metro Manila, spokesperson Harry Roque announced on Tuesday.

Roque said Metro Manila will instead remain under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until Sept. 15, or until the pilot GCQ with alert level system is enforced, whichever comes first.

The GCQ with granular lockdowns was supposed to be implemented tomorrow, Wednesday.

Under MECQ, Roque said indoor and outdoor or al fresco dining and personal care services like beauty salons, beauty parlors, and nail spas will remain closed in Metro Manila at least for another week.

Virtual religious services are permitted.

Immediate family members are also allowed to attend necrological services, wakes, inurnment and funerals as long as the deceased died of non-COVID-19 causes.

"However, they need to show satisfactory proof of their relationship with the deceased and have to comply with the minimum public health standards," Roque added.