Roque: Spike in new COVID-19 cases expected with gradual reopening of economy

MANILA, Philippines — The sudden spike in the number of new COVID-19 cases is expected with the government’s move to gradually reopen the economy, Malacañang said Wednesday.

The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday recorded 350 new coronavirus infections nationwide—the highest single-day tally since April 6 when it reported 414 new cases.

“Madami po iyan sa isang araw. At iyan naman po ay, more or less, inaasahan dahil nga unti-unti nating binubuksan iyong ating ekonomiya,” Roque said in an interview over dzRH.

Several sectors were allowed to partially operate starting May 16 in areas under modified enhance community quarantine (MECQ) in a bid to restart the country’s economy that was heavily battered by the novel coronavirus pandemic

Metro Manila, Laguna, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Zambales, and Angeles City were placed under MECQ, a transition period between the strict enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and a general community quarantine (GCQ) until May 31.

Only Cebu City and Mandaue City in the Visayas remain under ECQ while the rest of the country is now under GCQ.

Members of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases are set to meet on Wednesday to come up with a recommendation on what to do with the coronavirus lockdown.

The IATF recommendation is subject to the approval of President Rodrigo Duterte although he has not rejected any of the proposals earlier submitted by the task force.

/MUF