By: Jessa Mae Mejica
Image Source: https://mb.com.ph/2021/04/26/doh-chief-duque-mecq-in-ncr-should-be-extended/
Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III stated that he is in favor of extending the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) for another two weeks in NCR Plus which includes Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.
This is due to the fact that the healthcare system in the country has not yet been improved due to the number of cases.
Currently, the number of cases in various cities in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces such as Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Rizal is not evenly distributed.
According to Duque, many hospitals are still in the ‘critical risk classification’ due to the continual increase in COVID-19 cases.
Duque said in an interview that the MECQ needs to be extended for another 1 or 2 weeks.
“Kung titingnan natin ang datos, tingin ko talagang kina-kailangan ipagpatuloy ang MECQ for another week or two dahil nga ‘yung ating health system capacity. Hindi masyadong nag-iimprove pa sa ngayon.”
As for him, the decrease in the COVID-19 case could prolong if the MECQ is continued with NCR Plus which will remain until the middle of May.
“Ipagpatuloy muna natin ang MECQ para kitang-kita o malaki ang pagbaba ng mga bagong kaso at magkaroon ng reversal ng trend,” he added.
The MECQ ended with NCR Plus on April 11, and the NCR Plus was subjected to MECQ from April 12 to April 30.
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