MANILA, Philippines (Updated 5:56 p.m.) — Metro Manila mayors decided to withhold their recommendation on the next quarantine status and will instead defer the decision to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases, the Metro Manila Development Authority said. Abalos said that Metro Manila's mayors would stick by a number of commitments they agreed on during their meeting. Abalos also claimed that critical cases have substantially lessened compared to the last enhanced community quarantine hoisted over Metro Manila. “Whatever the decision of the IATF will be, the mayors committed to continue doubling up their vaccination efforts. 'Ayuda' status still unsure moving forwardThe MMDA chief, however, added that local chief executives were unsure about the status of the cash aid rollout for poor families affected by the pandemic.

Source: Philippine Star August 18, 2021 09:00 UTC