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DOH: Ensure LGUs' capacity to handle COVID-19 threat before MGCQ order
The Department of Health (DOH) is urging local government units (LGUs) to enhance their COVID-19 response measures, emphasizing the need for them to be capable of managing and preventing virus transmission.
This condition was recommended by the DOH to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) in case the proposal to place the entire country under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) by March 1 pushes through.
Vergeire stressed that LGUs must possess the capability for localized responses regardless of the national risk classification or community quarantine level.
Key areas for LGUs to strengthen include surveillance, contact tracing, testing, isolation, and treatment.
LGUs are empowered to implement localized lockdowns if they detect an increasing trend of cases in specific areas.
The plan to place the entire country under MGCQ by March 1 was agreed upon by mayors and the IATF, and may be approved by President Rodrigo Duterte as a measure to help the economy recover.
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Health Secretary Francisco Duque III believes the Philippines is ready to transition to a modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
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President Rodrigo Duterte may be convinced to approve the recommendation for a nationwide modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) by March 1.
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Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua proposed placing the entire Philippines under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) starting March 1 to mitigate hunger and job losses.
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Metro Manila mayors have voted in favor of shifting the National Capital Region (NCR) to modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
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Vice President Leni Robredo questioned the basis for placing the entire country under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) given the rising number of COVID-19 cases.
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