Rappler
Experts fear 230,000 coronavirus cases if MECQ is lifted in Mega Manila
UP OCTA research experts recommend extending the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) in Mega Manila for another 15 days to reverse the surge in COVID-19 cases.
They warned that prematurely lifting MECQ in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, and Laguna could lead to uncontrolled and rapid growth of infections.
The researchers estimate that if MECQ is lifted, nationwide cases could reach 230,000 by the end of August, a revision from earlier projections.
Extending the MECQ would allow local government units to improve tracking, quarantine, and isolation efforts.
The experts also advised scaling up testing, tracing, isolation, treatment, and healthcare system capacities.
They cited Cebu's success in flattening the curve after a strict lockdown as a lesson for the government.
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Malacañang has stated that extending the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in Metro Manila and adjacent provinces is improbable due to a lack of funds for financial assistance.
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As of Tuesday, August 11, 2020, the Philippines logged 2,987 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total infections to 139,538.
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President Rodrigo Duterte has reverted Metro Manila and four nearby provinces - Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal - back to a General Community Quarantine (GCQ) from August 19 to August 31.
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Malacañang stated that the decision to extend the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in Metro Manila and nearby provinces requires a careful balance between public health and economic concerns.
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The Metro Manila Council chairperson, Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, expressed optimism that the National Capital Region (NCR) might transition to a General Community Quarantine (GCQ) if the current downward trend in COVID-19 cases persists.
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