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UP experts recommend extending ECQ for Metro Manila, 4 other areas
Experts from the University of the Philippines (UP) recommend extending the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) beyond May 15, 2020, for Metro Manila, Batangas, Cebu, Zamboanga del Sur, and Davao City.
Their study indicates that a premature lifting of the ECQ in Metro Manila could lead to a surge in cases, potentially reaching 24,000 by June 15, 2020, and approximately 1,700 deaths.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque previously stated that the government's data analysis team acknowledged the UP professors' concerns regarding a potential spike in cases and deaths if the ECQ is lifted prematurely.
However, Roque had also clarified that not all of Metro Manila would necessarily remain under ECQ, with some cities possibly being downgraded to a general community quarantine (GCQ).
The UP experts emphasized that ECQ extension is crucial for sustaining current gains until the government effectively scales up mass testing, contact tracing, and isolation initiatives.
A final decision on the ECQ status of these areas rests with the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) and President Rodrigo Duterte.
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Metro Manila mayors will present three quarantine scenarios to the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for their decision on quarantine restrictions after May 15.
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Malacañang announced that some cities in Metro Manila might be placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) after May 15 if COVID-19 cases slow down and local government units have adequate health system capacity.
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Malacañang stated that it is too early to determine if Metro Manila will transition to general community quarantine (GCQ) after May 15.
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The National Capital Region (NCR), Laguna, and Cebu City will be under a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from May 16 to May 31 as they are still considered high-risk areas for COVID-19.
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Senate President Vicente Sotto III supports the government's decision to place Metro Manila, Laguna, and Cebu City under a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from May 16 to May 30 due to the continuing threat of COVID-19.
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