Malacañang optimistic Metro Manila quarantine may ease after Oct 15

Malacañang expressed optimism that quarantine restrictions in Metro Manila could be eased after October 15, citing a significant decrease in COVID-19 cases and the region's improved ICU bed capacity.

Dr. Guido David of OCTA Research noted that Metro Manila is effectively managing the Delta variant, with its reproduction rate returning to levels seen in July and August.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque highlighted that COVID-19 case numbers have seen a -13% two-week growth rate and a -46% daily case reduction as of October 10, supporting a potential downgrade in alert level.

Roque mentioned that Metro Manila's ICU bed utilization for COVID-19 patients has reached a moderate risk level, a factor considered in adjusting quarantine classifications.

Despite positive indicators, Roque acknowledged that the current granular lockdown system, implemented under Alert Level 4, is still in its pilot phase and requires more time to assess its overall effectiveness.

The existing granular lockdown protocol in Metro Manila is scheduled to remain in effect until November 15.