Concepcion warns of tougher situation without ECQ

Presidential adviser for entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion stated that the country will face a more challenging situation if an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is not implemented in the National Capital Region (NCR) due to the Delta variant.

He affirmed that the private sector's proposal for a two-week ECQ was a prudent decision to avoid a worsening scenario.

The NCR is set to be placed under ECQ from August 6 to 20, 2021, in response to the alarming increase of COVID-19 cases attributed to the Delta variant.

Concepcion warned that delaying the lockdown could lead to a longer and more severe quarantine period later in the year.

The chosen timing for the ECQ aims to protect the crucial fourth quarter, which is vital for the recovery of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and large corporations.

This period, encompassing the Christmas season and the start of election spending, is typically when consumer spending peaks, offering a chance for businesses to recoup losses from previous quarters.