By JEFFREY DAMICOG
An adviser of the inter-agency task force on COVID-19 yesterday called on the government to consider extending the community quarantine in Metro Manila which remains the country’s epicenter of the dreaded coronavirus disease.
Dr. Tony Leachon made the suggestion as the as the government is set to end the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine on April 30.
“I would recommend extension in Metro Manila and National Capital Region, May 1 to 15, basically to increase the health care capacity, the testing centers, procure more test kits, improve the hospital facilities and see the figures go down,” he said during an interview over CNN Philippines.
The doctor reminded that NCR remains the epicenter of the COVID-19 cases in the country.
“Eighty percent of the cases are in the National Capital Region,” Leachon cited.
On the other hand, Leachon suggested a modified implementation of the ECQ over the entire Luzon.
“There can be a modified ECQ in Luzon and other areas because there are certain areas with increasing rates like Calabarzon and Pampanga and Bulacan,” he noted.
The adviser warned if restrictions are lifted too soon there would be a resurgence of the COVID-19 cases.
“Any plans to extend the quarantine restriction should be carried out gradually in a phase manner to prevent resurgence of infection particularly during the rainy season in June,” Leachon said.
The doctor cited that there is already a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Singapore and Japan following the relaxation of boarder controls.
