OCTA: Shift to MGCQ still premature
WHILE it believes that community restrictions may already be eased in Metro Manila, the independent OCTA Research Team yesterday said shifting the National Capital Region (NCR) to modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) will still be premature at this time.
In a virtual press briefing, OCTA Research fellow Guido David said that instead of placing the capital region under MGCQ, Metro Manila should retain the general community quarantine (GCQ) classification for two more weeks.
David said NCR has yet to meet the Department of Health’s goal of lowering all figures to the pre-surge level of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases.
“Back in February, we were at 400 cases in Metro Manila per day while we were still in GCQ. So, it doesn’t seem to be the time to relax to MGCQ at this time,” said David, as he noted how Metro Manila still has a seven-day average of 1,099 new COVID-19 cases over the past week.
However, David said the new classifications by June may already allow more establishments allowed to open.
“We think we should try to retain the GCQ at this time because the cases are still significant. (But) we can add capacity. Especially for business establishments that have been very responsible in following protocols,” he said.
“I think it would not be fair to keep the same restrictions since they have been following protocol and making sure they are taking the steps necessary to make sure that outbreaks don’t happen,” added David.
Similarly, David said going down to the least restrictive MGCQ from GCQ with heightened restrictions may result to people becoming complacent.
“It gives us the wrong messaging to the people. We want to avoid situations, where people become very complacent because they feel that the situation has improved significantly, that there are no more cases, when in fact there are still cases,” said David.
On Tuesday, OCTA already said that the national government should seriously consider easing some restrictions in the NCR.
This was after the OCTA lowered its COVID-19 risk classification of Metro Manila to “moderate risk” from “high risk”.
To note, Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, and Cavite are under GCQ with heightened restrictions until the end of the month.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año told local government and police officials throughout the country to arrest people caught attending super spreader events or mass gatherings, like swimming and parties.
Año, a key member of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, noted persons caught for individual violation of health protocols are usually only warned and cautioned.
“Super spreader events are different. I am actually advising our LGUs and our PNP, when it comes to superspreader events, we can arrest violators on site,” Año said.
Three major superspreader events or mass gathering have been reported over the past weeks, including a swimming party and drinking session in Quezon City where 54 of those who attended have tested positive for COVID-19.
In Norzagaray, Bulacan, 75 people were apprehended and issued citation tickets last weekend for swimming at a river and violating health protocols. Año said the violators have yet to undergo COVID-19 testing.
In Caloocan City, some 400 people were likewise caught swimming at the Gubat sa Ciudad resort. Twenty of those who went to the resort were reported to have been infected with the coronavirus.
Año said the DILG will issue a memorandum within the week that would give barangay officials additional authorities to stop the holding of superspreader events, among them the conduct of barangay health patrols during weekends and holidays.
“Nakikita kasi natin na nandito yung weakest link e (Based on our assessment, this is the weakest link),” said Año, referring to the implementation by barangay officials of rules against mass gatherings.
He said superspreader events include parties, fiesta celebration, karaoke sessions, discos, drinking sessions, basketball games, boxing matches, and even religious activities involving attendees beyond the allowed number.
Año said barangay officials should pay a visit to all resorts and swimming pools in their areas and remind owners and workers about the sanctions that the government has laid out for violation of health protocols.
Año said over 70,000 have been apprehended throughout the country from May 15 to May 26 for violation of curfew and health protocols. He said there were also 43,480 violation of health protocols, including the non-wearing of face masks.
Of the total violations, Año said over 20,000 were recorded in the National Capital Region.
Meanwhile, National Task Force Against COVID-19 spokesman Restituto Padilla Jr., during the Laging Handa public briefing, said the rising number of COVID-19 cases outside of Metro Manila could be due to tourist arrivals, especially those who are asymptomatic or do not display symptoms.
He said LGUS are free to impose certain requirements on visitors before they are allowed entry such as undergoing swab test or showing negative COVID-19 test results.
Malacañang, through the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Religious Affairs (OPARA), will lead a Virtual Interfaith Prayer Meeting on May 30 to pray for continuous healing of all sick Filipinos and overcoming of the pandemic.
The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM) announced in their respective Facebook accounts that the event will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. of May 30 and will be participated in virtually by different religious leaders. The President’s Hour will be from 5p.m. to 6 p.m. — With Victor Reyes and Jocelyn Montemayor
