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MANILA - The Philippines on Tuesday announced steps to gradually ease COVID-19 lockdowns and open up the economy.

Metro Manila, Cebu City and Laguna will be under a modified enhanced community quarantine or MECQ until May 31, Roque said.

Other areas were either placed under GCQ or general community quarantine while quarantines were lifted others, without sacrificing health measures.

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Here are the differences between ECQ, MECQ and GCQ:

Enhanced Community Quarantine:

• No movement regardless of age and health status
• No economic activity except utility services, food, water and other essential sectors
• No public transport
• No physical classes

Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine:

• Limited movement of people to get essential services and to go to work
• Gradual reopening of the economy with select manufacturing and processing plants allowed to open up to a maximum of 50 percent capacity
• Limited transportation services for essential goods and services
• Limited transportation for those going to work and for essential services
• Classes are still suspended in all levels

General Community Quarantine:

• Limited movements but government and almost all industries will be allowed to operate up to 75 percent except amusement and those with mass gatherings
• Limited transport services with social distancing
• Flexible learning will be allowed but without face-to-face learning

• LIST: Businesses allowed in enhanced, general quarantine areas
• LIST: Services, activities barred in enhanced, general quarantine areas

Roque said the list of allowed industries under MECQ would be announced in another press briefing either late Tuesday or on Wednesday.