DOH chief sees PH ready for MGCQ

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III believes the Philippines is ready to transition to a modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

Duque cited the manageable infection rates and the healthcare system's capacity to handle cases as reasons for his optimism.

He also pointed to the increasing effectiveness of local government units in managing transmission, noting that post-holiday spikes were less severe than anticipated.

The Health Secretary emphasized that localized lockdowns are a more effective strategy than broad community quarantines.

Duque acknowledged that localized spikes in cases can occur, as seen in Pasay and Navotas, but stressed that interventions like early detection, isolation, treatment, and reintegration are in place.

Despite the Secretary's confidence, the OCTA Research group has observed an upward trend in COVID-19 infections in Metro Manila.