Over the weekend, the Internet was abuzz with social media posts that say a nationwide lockdown will be imposed once again from Dec. 23 to Jan. 3 in time for the holidays. This “news” was also reportedly being circulated via text messages.

But government officials themselves clarified that no such lockdown has been declared just yet. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque called it “fake news” and said quarantine levels in different areas of the country remain unchanged since President Rodrigo Duterte’s last announcement on Nov. 30.

According to the President, Metro Manila, Batangas, Lanao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Iloilo City, Tacloban, Iligan City and Davao City are under general community quarantine (GCQ) until Dec. 31, while the rest of the country remains under modified GCQ.

Heads up!

President Rodrigo Duterte has extended anew the implementation of general community quarantine (GCQ) in Metro Manila and other parts of the country for the entire month of December. https://t.co/iouvS3yiT2 pic.twitter.com/mr3wUc0MqU

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) November 30, 2020

National Task Force on COVID-19 spokesperson retired Gen. Restituto Padilla also asked the public not to believe news or information coming from unverified sources. Cabinet secretary Karlo Nograles reminded the public as well to share information online responsibly.

Despite such clarifications, news of a nationwide lockdown for the holidays sparked discussions on whether or not we should actually impose one for the sake of preventing another surge of COVID-19 cases during Christmas. Currently, areas like Quezon City have allowed churches to continue the tradition of Simbang Gabi as long as the maximum 30 percent venue capacity is observed.

The Department of Health also asked the public to observe minimum public health standards this holiday season, especially since holding and attending large in-person gatherings is still not advised due to the pandemic.

Header photo from Inquirer.net

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