Delfin Lorenzana confident NCR can return to GCQ despite record COVID-19 spike

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana remains confident that the National Capital Region (NCR) can return to a general community quarantine (GCQ) when the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) lapses on August 18.

His statement on the NCR's readiness for GCQ was based on a perceived gradual decline in new COVID-19 cases, citing figures around 3,000 on August 9, down from over 6,000 in preceding days.

However, on August 10, the country saw a single-day record spike of 6,958 new infections.

Lorenzana acknowledged this spike, clarifying that his earlier assessment referred to a trend of decreasing cases he observed prior to the record high.

The NCR, along with Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal, were placed under MECQ from August 4 to August 18.

This move to MECQ followed a request from medical front-liners for a 'timeout' to reassess the government's COVID-19 response strategy.

Quezon Rep. Angelina Tan believes two weeks of MECQ is insufficient to significantly reduce case numbers.

Lorenzana also noted the pressing need to reopen the economy, stating the country cannot continue imposing lockdowns indefinitely.