(File photo)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte approved Thursday night the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EUD) to place Metro Manila, Laguna, and Bataan under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from August 21 to 31.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said these latest classifications are without prejudice to the strict implementation of granular lockdowns.

Metro Manila, Laguna, and Bataan were initially placed under ECQ, the strictest form of community quarantine, due to the spike in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections.

Roque stressed that despite the de-escalation of quarantine level, religious gatherings should remain “virtual” in Metro Manila, Laguna, and Bataan.

He added that indoor and al-fresco dine-in services, as well as personal care services such as beauty salons, beauty parlors, barbershops and nail spas should remain prohibited.

Roque said local government units in Metro Manila, Laguna, and Bataan are likewise directed to improve the vaccination rates within their localities, as well as intensify the “Prevent-Detect-Isolate-Treat-Reintegrate (PDITR) strategies to control the spread of Covid-19.

He said minimum public health standards must also be observed in the three areas.

“These protocols shall be observed in the aforesaid areas under the inclusive dates they are under MECQ,” Roque said.