If the medical adviser of the National Task Force against COVID-19 is asked, the National Capital Region, which is now on the strictest ECQ, could be shifted to the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).
“Kung opinion ko lang ang masusunod, kung ako ang namumuno sa IATF, bababa ako sa MECQ at paiigtingin ko iyong mga Mayor, iyong mga LGU, iyong localized lockdown, testing at saka tracing doon sa mga lugar na ano. Para hindi lahat napapahamak iyong area na may clustering or pagdami masugpo kaagad, parang nagpapatay ka ng sunog sa iba’t ibang parte ng Metro Manila,” said Dr. Ted Herbosa.
So far, he said, the Inter-Agency Task Force and the technical advisory group have only two options: continue the ECQ for the next two weeks or implement modified ECQ.
Herbosa admitted a real need to balance health and the economy because if only medical issues are considered, it is better to continue the ECQ so that the transmission decreases further. But he said many would lose their jobs and go hungry.
If the MECQ is to be implemented after August 20, he said, local chief executives should implement the localized ECQ in areas with an outbreak or “clustering” of COVID-19 cases.
Meanwhile, some local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila have admitted that the implementation of enhanced community quarantine is now more lenient.
NTF adviser: NCR may shift to MECQ
It is noteworthy that even though Manila is now under ECQ, there are still many vehicles and people outside.
According to some mayors, the ECQ was accompanied by widespread vaccination against COVID-19 and aid distribution.
More businesses are also allowed to open now ECQ. However, there are still some who are forbidden but open because they have to make a living.
According to barangay officials, implementing the ECQ will be difficult, especially since more Authorized Persons Outside Residence are being released.
“Mas maluwag ang patakaran ngayon kumpara nung mga nakaraang taon dahil dati, totally ay hindi kami nagpapalabas ng tao, maliban na lamang kung kukuha ng essential services at emergency cases,” said Gemma dela Cruz, kagawad of Barangay 183 in Pasay City.
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