Manila Bulletin
Senate eyeing two-week ECQ in support of medical frontline workers
The Senate is considering a two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to support overwhelmed medical frontliners battling rising COVID-19 cases.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III is consulting senators about the potential ECQ, which would limit on-site staffing to essential personnel.
This proposal aligns with a plea from frontliners for a renewed ECQ in Metro Manila to allow them time to rest.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. confirmed President Rodrigo Duterte has tasked the inter-agency task force to evaluate the request.
Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri supports a 15-day ECQ to curb the rapid spread of the virus.
However, some officials, like Senator Cynthia Villar, have expressed reservations, suggesting adaptation to living with the virus.
If the Senate proceeds with the lockdown, scheduled hearings, including the investigation into PhilHealth corruption allegations, will be postponed.
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The Philippine Senate will undergo a two-week lockdown from August 4 to 18, suspending regular sessions until August 19, in support of healthcare frontliners' call for a 'timeout' amid rising COVID-19 cases.
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Various medical associations have requested President Rodrigo Duterte to revert Metro Manila to an Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) from August 1 to August 15, citing that healthcare workers are overwhelmed and the healthcare system is strained.
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The Philippine Senate commenced its second regular session of the 18th Congress with a focus on addressing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
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President Rodrigo Duterte and his Cabinet are reviewing an appeal from medical front-liners to reimpose a two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila.
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Dr. Maricar Limpin, Vice President of the Philippine College of Physicians, urged the government to reimpose an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila for two weeks to provide a much-needed "breather" for exhausted frontliners.
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