Robredo, Doctors’ Group Back GCQ Extension In NCR Plus

The Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) and Vice President Leni Robredo expressed support for experts’ recommendation not to further relax the quarantine status in the National Capital Region and and other areas where COVID-19 cases remain high in June.

PCP vice president Dr. Maricar Limpin told “Sa Totoo Lang” on One PH on Thursday, May 27, that restrictions should be eased gradually since coronavirus infections remain high on a daily basis.

Additional 7,058 cases on Sunday, May 30, pushed to 1,223,627 the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases nationwide. There were 7,443 cases reported on Saturday, May 29, and 8,748 on Friday, May 28.

PCP, which is the umbrella organization of internists and other physicians, was one of the groups that called for a “timeout” in August 2020 after COVID-19 cases overwhelmed the country’s healthcare facilities and workers.

Limpin said it must be ensured first that infections would no longer rise anew as they had been stemmed by stricter quarantine restrictions imposed since March.

According to Limpin, hospitals get to cope with the number of patients now but aside from extending the GCQ, people must be asked to stay at home and go out only if necessary.

Robredo, for her part, said “we’re seeing the decline (in cases) but I hope we’ll not become complacent.”

Robredo disclosed over dzXL on Sunday, May 30, that she is in favor of maintaining the GCQ status in NCR, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite and Bulacan or NCR Plus in June, noting that any decision with regard to the community quarantine status must be based on experts’ advice.

“It’s hard to have another surge. It’s not a faucet that if you close it, it will stop. It will take a long time to bring the cases down,” she said.

On Wednesday, May 26, the OCTA Research Group recommended a two-week extension of the GCQ in NCR Plus so people won't be complacent in complying with health and safety protocols.

On Saturday, May 29, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said areas currently under GCQ cannot shift yet to the more relaxed modified GCQ or MGCQ.

According to Duque, the contribution of NCR to the caseload of COVID-19 has decreased but the number of infections in other areas is on the rise. He cited Iloilo City, Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Calabarzon and some areas in the Visayas and Mindanao.

President Duterte may announce today, May 31, the quarantine classifications for June as the government continues to monitor the situation in areas that recently recorded surges in COVID-19 infections.

The risk classifications of areas that started on May 15 will lapse today and officials are expected to tackle their final recommendations on the updated quarantine groupings and submit them to the President.

"I believe so," presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in a text message on Sunday when asked if Duterte would announce today the risk classifications for the month of June.

Officials have said the availability of healthcare facilities, the average daily attack rate and the two-week average attack rate would be considered in determining the status of a city or province.

The risk classification of NCR Plus was relaxed from modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ)on May to 14 to GCQ)with heightened restrictions last May 15 because of slower virus transmission and lower healthcare utilization rates.

Based on Resolution No. 116-C of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Iloilo City was placed under MECQ from MGCQ beginning May 23 to address the surge in infections and to decongest hospitals. The provinces of Apayao, Benguet, and Cagayan were also placed under MECQ until the end of May, according to the same resolution.

On Thursday, May 27, Roque said lowering quarantine classification in NCR and nearby provinces from GCQ with heightened restrictions to moderate GCQ was possible by June 1.

He cited the decrease in the number of COVID cases as a basis for easing quarantine.

“Under existing criteria, that is generally a basis for relaxation of quarantine classification. But we have to decide, considering all factors and the recommendations of our implementers, our mayors,” Roque said.

Meanwhile, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Benhur Abalos also bared on Thursday that mayors have agreed to the reopening of the economy but under “a more cautious environment” to avoid another surge of COVID-19 cases in NCR.

Abalos added the Metro Manila Council is supportive of the moves by Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez and Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat to “slowly but surely resume businesses” and allow more sectors to partially increase operating capacities.

This means that more businesses could reopen, more customers could visit establishments and more churchgoers could attend religious services.

The mayors also agreed to maintain the common curfew hours between 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

'Staycation' hotels

The IATF has allowed Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited accommodation establishments with certificates of authority to operate for staycation in MGCQ areas to accommodate guests up to 100 percent venue capacity.

Quoting IATF Resolution No. 117 promulgated on Thursday, Roque noted that these hotels may also forego the COVID-19 testing of guests as a prerequisite for accommodation as long as they are 18 to 65 years old.

Puyat earlier expressed hope that families, including children and grandparents could again be accommodated in staycation hotels like in the past.

But accommodation establishments in areas under GCQ may accommodate guests for leisure purposes for up to 30 percent of their venue capacity, subject to DOT guidelines, the IATF said.

Roque added that guests shall come only from the same household.