Davao de Oro extends ECQ until May 15

Davao de Oro has decided to extend its enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until May 15, choosing not to shift to a general community quarantine (GCQ) as recommended by the national task force.

The decision was based on recommendations from epidemiologists and infectious disease experts, who advised finishing the two 28-day incubation periods since the last recorded COVID-19 case on April 7.

Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy stated that the province could not make a hasty decision as lives are at risk and a premature lifting of the ECQ could lead to a worse scenario with a possible second wave of the virus.

An additional reason for the extension was the recent death of a COVID-19 patient in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, prompting concerns about potential exposure in Davao de Oro due to proximity.

The provincial government is conducting contact tracing to determine if the deceased patient had any close contacts within Davao de Oro.

Governor Uy emphasized that the decision to remain under ECQ is a calculated risk taken for the safety and well-being of the constituents.