Metro Manila is currently under general community quarantine, but we could revert back to a stricter form of quarantine if hospitals can no longer handle the influx of COVID-19 cases, the Palace said on July 6.
According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, we have two options: “We go back to stricter quarantine or provide more facilities.”
The National Capital Region (NCR) was under enhanced community quarantine on March 18 to May 15. On May 16 to May 31, NCR shifted to modified ECQ. The region has then shifted to GCQ on June 1, which sees an ease in restrictions in business operations and mass transportation in order to boost the economy amid the pandemic. As per President Rodrigo Duterte’s latest address, GCQ in Metro Manila will last until July 15.
The Department of Health said it would meet with hospital representatives today to assess the situation.
According to DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, state hospitals in Metro Manila are not yet on full capacity for COVID-18 cases.
Vergeire also warned against hospitals announcing full capacity for COVID-19 patients, as some have not complied with the DOH’s requirement of 30% capacity saved for COVID-19 cases.
The DOH also said that six areas saw a rise in COVID-19 cases, namely: Cebu City, Cebu province, Manadue City and Lapu-Lapu city in Cebu, Quezon City, and Manila City. These areas are under strict monitoring.