New lockdown system to have only 2 quarantine classifications

“Sang-ayon po dito sa policy shift na gagawin natin, dalawa na lang po ang ating quarantine classification. Ito po ang ECQ na ipapataw po ng IATF o di naman kaya ang GCQ,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Friday.

Enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is the strictest of the four quarantine classifications currently (GCQ) used in the country while general community is the second most laxed. 

According to Roque, the IATF has provisionally approved the guidelines for the implementation of “alert level system” to be piloted in Metro Manila.

Alert Level 4 will be the highest, strictest of the classification system. Under this level, dine-in services, personal care services, as well as mass gatherings are prohibited. Roque noted, however, that the details on which activities are allowed under alter level 4 are still being ironed out.

Roque said the areas will implement granular lockdowns based on the guidelines of the IATF.

Lockdowns will be stricter this time, the spokesperson said, explaining that only healthcare workers, inbound and outbound overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), or those with exceptional circumstances will be allowed outside of their homes.