Due to the threat of Delta variant, the Metro Manila Council (MMC) was prompted to reimpose longer curfew hours from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. starting Sunday (July 25) at the National Capital Region, after it was placed anew under general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions.

MMDA Chairman Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. said that the adjustment of curfew hours from the previous 12 midnight to 4 a.m. was aimed to control the further transmission of the Delta variant.

"We need to limit the movement of the public through the imposition of longer curfew hours. Since the Delta variant spreads exponentially, we should not let our guards down and implement necessary restrictions to contain the virus," Abalos said after MMDA Resolution No. 21-13 was passed by the 17 Metro Manila mayors.

Abalos noted that the Delta variant is highly contagious with an R Naught (R0), a measure of contagion or reproduction rate, of 5 to 8 "that may potentially trigger an exponential surge and local transmission in densely populated areas like the NCR."

"While the Metro Manila Council recognizes the imperative to gradually and cautiously open the economy in order to increase business activities, reduce unemployment and underemployment, and promote economic growth, it is equally mindful of the paramount interests of life and health and the strict implementation of the prevent, detect, isolate, treat, and reintegrate strategies," the resolution stated.

In its latest advisory on Saturday, the Department of Health (DOH) has recorded additional 17 new cases of Delta variant, with the total climbing to 64. Out of the new cases, 12 are local cases and 9 of them had an indicated address in NCR.

On July 23, Metro Manila was placed under general community quarantine with heightened restrictions until July 31.

The MMC, composed of the 17 local government units of Metro Manila, is the governing body and policy-making body of the MMDA.

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