Gov't studying options for post-ECQ action plan

The Philippine government is still studying various options for its action plan after the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon is set to end on April 30.

President Duterte has not yet decided on the next course of action and has asked the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to further study and refine proposals.

Among the proposals discussed are guidelines for a modified quarantine, including protocols for areas with COVID-19 cases, industries allowed to resume operations, public transportation rules, and the continued need for physical distancing.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles stated that expanded testing capacity would increase confidence in modifying the quarantine measures.

The IATF aims to find the best scenario that considers public health, welfare, and economic factors, incorporating inputs from various stakeholders.

The government is actively working to expand testing capacity, with 17 laboratories operational and 40 more facilities in the pipeline for accreditation by the Department of Health.

Despite the ongoing discussions, the rate of positive COVID-19 cases has decreased to 13 percent, and the rate of increase is reportedly not as high.

The decision-making process takes into account epidemiological curves, healthcare system capacity, socio-economic and security factors, and recommendations from the World Health Organization.