DAILY coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases reported in the country may drop to around 500 by the end of 2021, based on the projection of the independent OCTA Research.
In a social media post, OCTA fellow Guido David noted that the seven-day average in the country has decreased to 1,809 from 2,005 in the previous week, or a negative 10 percent one-week growth rate.
The dip, he added, was highlighted by the 849 new cases reported on November 16.
David also said that the Philippines’ current reproduction number has stayed at 0.42, which is similar to the rate as of November 11.
The positivity rate, on the other hand, is now just 4 percent, as compared to the 6 percent last November 11.
“Based on these trends, new cases could decrease to 500 before the year’s end,” said David.
The OCTA group stressed the need for everybody to continue to adhere to minimum public health guidelines to sustain the downward trend, as the Department of Interior and Local Government asked the PNP and local government units to step up the inspection of business establishments amid reports of supposed violation of COVID-19 safety rules and regulations.
During the “Laging Handa” press briefing yesterday, Interior undersecretary and spokesman Jonathan Malaya said the DILG has gotten reports about restaurants not requiring indoor dine-in costumers to present their vaccination cards.
Under the guidelines set of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), only vaccinated individuals are allowed for indoor dine-in services in restaurants and other food establishments. Non-vaccinated individuals are only allowed al fresco dining.
Malaya also said that the interior department has received reports that some indoor establishments have also been operating beyond the allowed accommodation capacity.
Establishments can operate at 50 percent capacity under the IATF guidelines for indoor services and 70 percent for outdoor services. Establishments with Safety Seals enjoy additional 10 percent operational capacity for indoor and outdoor services.
The safety seals are issued by the DILG, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Tourism, Department of Labor, and local government units for establishments compliant to government safety protocols.
“Numerous reports have reached the DILG (about these violations) Establishments have to follow the 50 percent indoor capacity and we have to also ensure that those dining in are fully-vaccinated,” said Malaya.
The DILG official said he has personally witnessed such violations by certain establishments but did not name the establishments.
“These establishments are not requiring vaccinations cards from dine-in customers, not following minimum public health standards,” said Malaya, stressing businesses are required to check the vaccination cards of individuals before allowing them to eat inside restaurants.
Malaya warned establishments may lose their Safety Seals if they are found violating COVID-19 protocols, adding that business establishments should avoid being complacent in implementing government protocols to prevent another case surge.
“The DILG, through Secretary Eduardo Año, is warning the establishments that are not following minimum public health standards and not requiring vaccination cards before allowing customers (for in-door services). Establishments found violating the policies may lose their Safety Seal. If their Safety Seal is revoked, they will lose the 10 percent additional operational capacity,” said Malaya.
“If there is repeated violations (by the establishments), it will be the DILG that will recommend for the suspension of their business permits,” Malaya also said.
“We cannot be complacent at this time. Even if cases are going down and vaccination is going up, we cannot put our guard down. Look at Europe, their vaccination rate is high but they are now undergoing a new surge. Vigilance will prevent another surge,” he added.
Meanwhile, Malaya said the DILG supports the recent call of President Duterte to LGUs to pass ordinances restricting the movement of unvaccinated minors.
Malaya said Año has given instructions to local chief executives to “study the matter.”
He said the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has already formed a technical working group, composed of health officers of LGUs in Metro Manila, to study changing the policy on the entry of minors in malls, shopping malls and similar establishments.
Malaya said Parañaque City has already drafted an ordinance stating that only children aged 12 to 17 years old are allowed to go to malls and other indoor recreation areas provided they are accompanied by an adult companion who is fully vaccinated.
“If they are below 12, they will not be allowed,” said Malaya, adding the draft ordinance however allows 12 years old and below in outdoor or al fresco areas if accompanied by a fully vaccinated individual.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
The Department of Tourism (DOT) yesterday expressed its concern on the numerous complaints related to the delayed processing of visitors’ requirements, leading to missed flights and disrupted travel schedules, particularly from leisure travelers applying for entry to the municipality of Malay that covers the island of Boracay.
In a statement, the DOT said it has reached out to the concerned LGU and requested that it streamline and simplify the travel requirements for tourists, which is a vital component in ensuring the recovery of the island’s tourism industry and workforce that have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
It noted that the processing of travel requirements for the entry of domestic tourists falls under the jurisdiction of local government units, not the DOT.
“While the Department understands the challenges and restrictions that hamper the LGUs, it notes the importance of timely facilitation of such requests imposed on the visitors by the LGUs themselves,” it said.
It added: “The pace at which the industry can bounce back from its losses will be largely determined by the policies that will be implemented by the national and local government, and the participation and cooperation of its tourism stakeholders and the traveling public.” — With Victor Reyes
