Experts recommend 2-week circuit breaker lockdown amid Delta threat

Experts are recommending a two-week circuit-breaker lockdown in the Philippines to curb the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant of COVID-19.

OCTA Research fellow Fredegusto P. David stated that Metro Manila could see up to 5,000 new COVID-19 infections a day by late August if a two-week hard lockdown is not enforced starting August 1.

As of Thursday, July 29, the Department of Health has reported at least 216 known cases of the Delta variant in the country.

Despite a lack of definitive evidence of a surge in Metro Manila, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III agreed with OCTA Research that a circuit breaker lockdown should be put in place.

A circuit breaker lockdown involves switching from loose to tight restrictions when cases surge, allowing for relaxation of measures once the spread is contained.

Professor Jomar Rabajante of the UP Pandemic Response Team considers circuit breakers the safest option as they balance health and economic considerations.

Business leaders support the lockdown but requested more time to prepare before restrictions are tightened.