The OCTA Research Group suggested to Metro Manila mayors to implement a “soft MECQ” or modified enhanced community quarantine if the number of COVID-19 cases would continue to increase after two weeks.
“The soft MECQ in our position is one where businesses are still open, transportation is available for our workers, but of course all forms of social gathering are prohibited. Work from home and other types of arrangements are required both in the public and private sector,” OCTA member Ranjit Rye said in an online briefing.
The expert said the transition to soft MECQ would be enforced of the “hard” GCQ would not be able to significantly lower the reproduction number, which is currently at 1.9 for Metro Manila.
A reproduction number of 1 or higher means sustained COVID-19 transmission.
Under the hard GCQ proposal of OCTA Research, government and other industries operation would continue but a number of workforce would have to work from home and/or staggered work hours.
Certain activities and social gatherings inside enclosed areas would be discouraged. Quarantine passes would be provided to workers only as well as mass transportation.
OCTA wants ‘soft MECQ’ for Metro Manila if surge continues after 2 weeks
“This a very serious surge. We cannot minimize it. We cannot downplay it. It’s already affecting lives and livelihoods,” Rye said.
Asked about the OCTA’s suggestion of a hard GCQ, National Task Force Against COVID-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said they are confident the mayors could address the situation.
“They know what they are doing and they have come up with solutions,” Galvez said at a Palace press briefing.
Meanwhile, the occupancy rate of hospitals in Metro Manila has continued to increase due to the spike in COVID-19 cases since March.
At Sampaloc Hospital, 25 rooms reserved for COVID-19 patients will soon be filled. They also have 7 hospital staff who are currently recovering from the virus.
At Navotas City Hospital, the service of the outpatient department was first suspended due to the continuous increase of COVID-19 cases, including hospital employees.
The Palace admitted that the health care utilization rate in Metro Manila is becoming critical.