Rep Salceda wants 2-week ECQ extension in Luzon

Albay Representative Joey Salceda is pushing for a two-week extension of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon, suggesting it be prolonged beyond April 30.

Salceda argues that lifting the ECQ would risk more infections as the Philippines has only conducted approximately 46,000 COVID-19 tests, a small fraction of its population.

He stated that even with an additional estimated 80,000 tests by April 30, the country is not yet ready to lift the quarantine.

Salceda warned that lifting the ECQ would carelessly expose the entire population to infection, despite residual social distancing measures.

He noted that while the lockdown reduced social contacts by 80 percent, a significant number of contacts remain.

The President's spokesperson, Harry Roque, mentioned on Tuesday that the country is capable of conducting 8,000 to 10,000 COVID-19 tests daily this week.