President Duterte extends Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon until April 30

Yes, you read it right: no motorcycle rides at least until May. This is after President Rodrigo Duterte accepted the recommendation to prolong the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until April 30, 2020. The ECQ extension announcement was made by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, spokesman of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), during a virtual press conference.

The move is hoped to control the rise of coronavirus infections and further enhance the capacity of the country’s health facilities.

The decision was made based on the recommendations of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Disease (IATF) to extend the ECQ until 11:59 PM of April 30, 2020.

“If you really want to know, we have discussed it actually even before this. We are inclined to extend the lockdown up to April 30. Tingnan natin (we'll see) after that,” the President said during a televised address to the nation before the decision was announced.

With ECQ still in effect, public movement will be restricted to the bare-essentials only; like going to the market, hospital, bank, or pharmacy. Mass transport will be limited to those who are servicing the medical frontline and essential government personnel only.

President Duterte also added that the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Philippine Institute for Development Studies are conducting a study on the spread of COVID-19. Their recommendation will, in turn, help the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) in advising the Philippine government on whether to lift or extend the Luzon lockdown after April 30, 2020.

You can keep yourself busy with these activities:

Visit these motorcycle museums on your phone or laptop

Motorcycle TLC that will keep you busy during lockdown

Disinfecting 101: Protect yourself and your gear

No motorsports? Watch these pros and amateurs at home

How do you feel about the extension of the lockdown? 

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coronavirus covid-19 lockdown luzon president duterte quarantine