Duterte to decide on ECQ based on health sector capacity

President Duterte's decision on whether to lift, ease, or extend the Luzon lockdown or enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) will be based on the health sector's capacity to treat coronavirus patients.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque stated that if the ECQ is relaxed or lifted, the health sector must have sufficient capability to provide medical attention to all potential COVID-19 patients.

Roque added that even if the President desires to lift the ECQ, data and science indicating the health sector's inability to provide adequate service would compel him to make the difficult but correct decision to continue the ECQ.

The Luzon lockdown is set to expire on April 30, with no immediate indication of an extension.

The government is considering a decision tool that outlines conditions for lifting, modifying, or maintaining the ECQ based on risk levels and healthcare capacity.

Factors such as the duration of infection peaks, total infected cases, and death tolls will be considered in the decision-making process.

President Duterte has received advice from his Cabinet, the private sector, and the academe to guide his final decision.