The OCTA Research team of the University of the Philippines has repeatedly warned that if no drastic measures were made, new cases of infection may reach as much as 10000 per day. Initially, the Government responded by reverting Metro Manila and nearby provinces of Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite, and Rizal to Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) a slightly stricter variant of the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) classification, on March 22.
However, that move was proven insufficient in deterring the resurgence. Therefore as of last night (27th March), the government issued another resolution placing the National Capital Region and the provinces mentioned above to Enhance Community Quarantine (ECQ) which will limit the movement of all citizens to work and essential functions only.
Celebrations and gatherings, whether leisure or religious in nature is prohibited as well as the consumption of alcoholic beverages. ECQ will begin on the 29th of March and last until the 4th of April (Easter Sunday). After that, the government will reassess the situation and decide whether to maintain or reclassify the quarantine classification.
