Binay on first day of MECQ: Expect a ‘tsunami’ of coronavirus infections

MANILA, Philippines — If the number of people crowding public places on the first day of the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) is an indicator, the country should not just expect a second wave of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases, but a “tsunami” of cases of infection, according to Senator Nancy Binay.

“What is worrisome is that when the IATF (Inter-agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases) declared some areas as GCQ (general community quarantine) and MECQ, the LGUs (local government units)—and even national agencies—are not even prepared, or even near in realizing the COVID T3 (test, trace, and treat) strategy which is supposed to be already in a satisfactory operational level by this time,” she said in a statement on Sunday.

“Kaya ‘yung sinasabing (what they call the) ‘second wave,’ we all know that it’s not a question of if, but when. At kung pagbabatayan natin ‘yung bugso ng mga tao kahapon (May 16) (and if we will consider the surge of people yesterday), well, don’t expect just a second wave—prepare for a tsunami!” the senator warned.

The MECQ is being enforced by the national government in Metro Manila and seven other areas until May 31, following the end of the stricter enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) which was enforced to contain the further spread of COVID-19. Cebu City and Mandaue City will remain under ECQ until the end of the month.

The following measures are being allowed by the government in areas placed under MECQ: limited movement of people to avail essential services and go to work; the gradual reopening of the economy with select manufacturing and processing plants allowed to open up to a maximum of 50 percent capacity; limited transportation services for essential goods and services; and limited transportation for those going to work and those who need to avail of essential services.

Classroom classes are still suspended under the new quarantine setup.

As of Saturday, the number of COVID-19 cases in the country has already reached 12,305. The death toll is now at 817 while the number of recoveries is at 2,561.

/MUF