President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday approved the recommendation of the government's pandemic task force to place the capital region and the four provinces — collectively known as National Capital Region (NCR) Plus — under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from April 12 to 30, the Palace announced. The NCR Plus areas were placed under the strictest enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) last March 29 as the surge in COVID-19 infections threatened to overwhelm hospitals. The extension of the ECQ would also decongest hospitals and relieve the pressure on the country's health workers, the group added. Roque said as of April 11, hospitals in NCR Plus areas have committed an additional 164 critical ICU beds and 1,157 regular beds for moderate and severe cases. All establishments, persons, or activities that were allowed to operate during ECQ may now do so at full on-site capacity.

Source: Philippine Star April 11, 2021 10:55 UTC