DOH: MECQ impact won't be seen for 2-3 weeks

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire says it will take two to three weeks for the impact of Metro Manila's MECQ to be seen.

Vergeire notes that the disease's incubation period is about 14 days, so new cases may not appear immediately.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año expresses confidence that COVID-19 infections will decrease during the MECQ and prefers it not to be extended for economic reasons.

Chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. admits that 15 days of MECQ is insufficient to curb case numbers but says strategies are in place to minimize new cases and deaths.

Government officials plan to visit critical areas this week to teach local government and health officials how to enforce localized lockdowns.