DOH sees rising COVID-19 cases despite ECQ, Metro Manila decision pending

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire stated that projections show COVID-19 cases will continue to increase even with a two-week ECQ, aiming to prepare the healthcare system.

However, DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III and Vice President Leni Robredo believe it is too early to discuss extending the ECQ in Metro Manila.

Robredo cited health experts who suggest that localized "small bubbles" of ECQ might be more appropriate than extending it to the entire NCR.

The Metro Manila Council (MMC) will convene with the DOH and other experts before August 20 to decide on the ECQ based on health data.

Metro Manila was initially placed under ECQ from August 6 to August 20 due to concerns over the Delta variant.

The country experienced its worst phase of the pandemic with 12,021 new cases on Wednesday, the highest in four months.