Galvez backs localized lockdowns to curb COVID-19 spikes

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. supports the implementation of "localized lockdowns" in specific areas experiencing spikes in COVID-19 transmission, even as the rest of the country is under general or modified community quarantine.

These localized lockdowns can be applied to buildings, city blocks, or one to two barangays to contain outbreaks effectively.

Health protocols implemented during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) will be reinstated in these localized lockdown areas.

This strategy aims to balance economic activity with public health, allowing certain industries to reopen while preventing widespread transmission.

Metro Manila and several other regions/provinces have transitioned to GCQ starting June 1, with the rest of the country under MGCQ.

Galvez expressed optimism that the government will reach its target of conducting 30,000 COVID-19 tests per day by the end of June.

The government's current daily testing capacity stands between 8,500 to 9,500 tests.

Galvez is set to visit Iloilo to assess the local health situation and oversee the establishment of testing laboratories.