NCR, 4 areas back to GCQ with heightened restrictions

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  • The National Capital Region (NCR) and four areas are back under general community quarantine (GCQ) “with heightened restrictions” from July 23 to 31
  • The decision to place the areas under stricter quarantine controls follows confirmation of local transmission of the Delta COVID-19 variant
  • Also under GCQ with heightened restrictions are Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte
  • Davao del Sur is under the regular GCQ from July 23 to July 31

The National Capital Region (NCR) has been placed back under general community quarantine “with heightened restrictions” from July 23 to 31.

The decision came after the Department of Health on July 22 confirmed local transmission of the Delta variant in the Philippines and emphasized the need to continuously enforce strict border control measures and intensify local COVID-19 responses.

Also under GCQ with heightened restrictions until end of July are:

  • Ilocos Norte
  • Ilocos Sur
  • Davao de Oro
  • Davao del Norte

Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur were previously under the less strict modified CGQ while Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte were formerly under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

Davao del Sur, previously under MECQ, is now under GCQ from July 23 to 31.

All incoming international travelers in all ports of entry must strictly comply with testing and quarantine protocols approved by the Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to further prevent introduction of variants of concern into the country.

The Bureau of Quarantine must identify confirmed case’s close contacts in the plane/vessel and closely monitor them. Infection prevention and control protocols must be strictly followed in all quarantine and isolation facilities.

Also, local government units’ handover must include clear transportation arrangements and quarantine accommodation. LGUs must closely monitor for the appearance of any sign or symptom while arrivals are completing their quarantine and immediately conduct reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction testing after detection of symptoms. Health assessment must be completed for all arrivals at the end of isolation or quarantine period.

As of July 22, there are a total of 47 local cases of the Delta variant, which first emerged in India.

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