Duque: Too early to discuss NCR ECQ extension

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said on Thursday that it is too early to discuss extending the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila.

Duque, who chairs the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases, emphasized the need for public adherence to minimum health standards as daily new COVID-19 cases exceed 12,000 for two consecutive days.

The Philippine National Police chief, Police General Guillermo Eleazar, said Wednesday that the PNP is prepared should the ECQ in Metro Manila be extended and will enforce any decision made by national government and health experts.

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire stated Tuesday that based on projections, there is a possibility of extending the ECQ due to rising COVID-19 cases, though this remains under discussion with the IATF.