GCQ not recommended for NCR Plus — IATF health expert

MANILA, Philippines — An epidemiologist advising the government’s task force against COVID-19 does not recommend the shifting to a more liberal quarantine classification general community quarantine (GCQ) in Metro Manila and its adjacent provinces.

Dr. John Wong of the health research institution Epimetrics on Monday said he does not see indicators that the areas are headed to GCQ.

Among the indicators are the percentage of people who complete their quarantine and isolation periods, compliance with minimum public health standards, and how quickly local government units identify and isolate people with symptoms.

Indicators also include observing proper ventilation, masking, and keeping a distance from crowds in indoor businesses and the vaccination of 350,000 shots against COVID-19 per day.

An epidemiologist advising the government’s task force against COVID-19  sees no evidence that NCR Plus is bound for GCQ. FILE PHOTO/Niño Jesus Orbeta/Philippine Daily Inquirer

“Right now, without seeing any indicators, I would not recommend it [shift to GCQ]. So it’s like driving, I mean, you have to check first whether your car is in good working condition before you undertake a long trip or move forward,” Wong said in a Palace briefing.

To reach the goal of vaccinating 70% of the population, the Philippines needs 350,000 shots a day, Wong said.

The IATF is scheduled for a meeting this Tuesday to recommend President Rodrigo Duterte about quarantine classifications for Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, Bulacan, which are often called “NCR plus bubbles,” for May.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the IATF would assess the attack rate and the hospital utilization rate in the said areas.

Duterte is expected to announce his decision on quarantine classifications on Wednesday when he delivers his regular public address, “Talk to the People.”

READ: Duterte may announce new quarantine status for NCR Plus on April 28

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