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Give ‘NCR plus bubble’ chance but 2 weeks MECQ needed if surge continues -OCTA
An OCTA Research fellow proposed considering a "soft" modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) as a last resort if current government interventions fail to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Ranjit Rye acknowledged the government's need to balance the economy and public health but noted the continued rise in cases.
He suggested giving the "NCR Plus" bubble a chance to prove its effectiveness as a stop-gap measure.
However, Rye stated that if cases continue to increase after next week, the government must consider imposing MECQ for two weeks.
The OCTA Research group expressed concern that the "NCR Plus" bubble might not be enough to prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed, warning that the current surge may "wash away" all containment efforts.
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OCTA Research stated that it is still too early to determine if the NCR Plus bubble is effective in curbing COVID-19 cases, as the reproduction number in Metro Manila remains around 2.
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The OCTA Research team has recommended that the government implement a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) due to the significant rise in COVID-19 cases in the country.
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Health experts recommend extending the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in NCR Plus until April 11 to give the healthcare system more time to prepare, as hospitals in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces are at critical levels for COVID-19 bed occupancy.
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The Department of Health (DOH) announced the reimposition of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces to prevent active COVID-19 cases from reaching 430,000 by the end of April.
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Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III stated that it is unlikely for the National Capital Region (NCR) to revert to Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ).
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