The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases has placed Cagayan, Apayao and Benguet under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), the second most stringent among lockdown classifications.

According to IATF Resolution 114-C, which was issued on May 9 but made public only on Monday, the three areas were placed under MECQ from May 10 until May 23.

“The risk-level classification of the aforementioned provinces shall be without prejudice to their reclassification as may be warranted and the declaration of localized enhanced community quarantine in critical areas,” the document read.

Last week, the IATF also elevated Zamboanga City to the stricter MECQ due to soaring Covid-19 cases in the area.

The following areas are also under MECQ but only until May 14:

• Metro Manila

• Bulacan

• Cavite

• Laguna

• Rizal

• Abra

• Ifugao

• Santiago City in Isabela

• Quirino

The country has recorded 1,108,826 Covid-19 cases as of May 10. John Ezekiel J. Hirro