OCTA: Enforce more restrictions to prevent Delta variant outbreak

(FILE) In this photo taken on March 22, policemen guard the boundary of Cavite and Metro Manila as the national capital and its nearby provinces are placed under lockdown due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. INQUIRER file photo / MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines — The OCTA Research Group on Saturday suggested that the government should consider imposing tighter restrictions in areas where the COVID-19 Delta variant has been detected.

Professor Ranjit Rye, a member of OCTA Research Group, said it is imperative that minimum public health standards (MPHS) should be strictly monitored and previously allowed outdoor activities to be prohibited again.

Rye added that the government could implement more restrictions in the NCR Plus area.

“The key is to strictly monitor MPHS as well as to roll back, as soon as possible, initiatives such as children going out,” said Rye in a message to reporters. “We should also reduce indoor and outdoor social gatherings.”

“OCTA’s basic position is that the national government and local government units should implement timely and appropriate responses to the real threat of Delta. There is a need for an urgent and proactive response from the government.”

The Department of Health on Friday announced that it has detected the first local case of the Delta variant.

/MUF