THE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) procured more personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitation supplies to usher the transition from the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to the modified ECQ (MECQ) from May 15 to 31.
The Inter-Agency Task Forced on Emerging Infectious Diseases announced it would put the National Capital Region, Laguna and Cebu City under MECQ starting on Friday. It will facilitate a shift to lighter restrictions on quarantined zones, with manufacturing companies and essential services gradually returning back to operation.
But the PSC still prioritized the welfare of the athletes, coaches and its employees and created a health and safety committee that will oversee the transition. Executive Director (ED) Merly Ibay heads the committee, which is also composed of Deputy EDs Dennis Rivera and Atty. Guillermo Iroy and PSC Chief of Staff Marc Velasco.
“These are trying time and I worry about you,” PSC Chairman William Ramirez said in his message to the athletes. “I always pray that you are safe wherever the ECQ found you.”
The PSC assured that the allowances of athletes and coaches will continue despite the agency’s belt-tightening measures. Ramirez asked for patience and added that training facilities will open in due time.
“I look forward to the day when I can see you all again in our training centers and the playing fields, continuing to chase your dreams in sports,” he said.
The IATF said on Wednesday that noncontact sports, such as biking, tennis and golf, would be allowed during the MECQ. Boxing and basketball, sports that involve close contact among athletes, are not yet allowed.