Tighter NCR quarantine protocols possible, but not ECQ, MECQ — Duque

(File photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippines Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — A “greater restriction” in protocols being implemented in Metro Manila is possible, but not to the level of an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) or modified enhanced community quarantine(MECQ), Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Thursday.

Duque said that “greater restriction” may be imposed in crowded spaces such as restaurants.

“Pwede mo sabihin na higpitan pero hindi ‘yung widespread na quarantine restriction. Yung babalik sa ECQ o MECQ. Hindi ganun,” Duque replied in an interview on Teleradyo when asked for a possible recommendation for a tighter quarantine status in Metro Manila.

(We can tighten protocols, but not widespread or reverting to ECQ or MECQ.)

“Magkakaroon lang ng paghihigpit, greater restriction doon sa mga lugar kung saan nagpupulong yung mga tao katulad ng mga restaurant—yung capacity, babawasan yung capacity—para ‘yung transmission and contact trace ay mabawasan din,” he added.

Health Sec. Francisco Duque III. (Voltaire F. Domingo/Senate PRIB)

(More stringent rules may be implemented in places where people converge, such as restaurants, where capacity may be reduced to reduce the rate of transmission.)

Duque earlier said he is not recommending a strict lockdown in Metro Manila amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases.

He, however, clarified that he is not discounting the possibility of it happening in the future.

Duque said he thinks localized lockdowns being implemented by local governments are “starting to yield some positive outcomes.”

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