The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) is continuously assessing the government’s next phases after the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
According to IATF Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, two technical working groups (TWGs) have been created to determine the government’s next courses of action.
One TWG chaired by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) handles the anticipatory planning for economic activities as the Philippines transition to the new normalcy on April 15.
The other TWG headed by the Department of Health (DOH) is meant to set scientific parameters as basis for deciding on the lifting of ECQ on April 14.
Meanwhile, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año is still working from home after his announcement Tuesday night that he tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
He is the first cabinet member to contract the virus.
According to Sec. Año, he is asymptomatic and in good condition.
DILG Spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya has admitted that he and several senior officials of the department who had close contact with the Interior Secretary are now on self-quarantine.
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and PNP Chief Police General Archie Gamboa have tested negative for COVID-19.
While Cabinet Secretary Nograles has acknowledged that he is on self-quarantine as he is asymptomatic, he reminded that the members of the IATF should only take the COVID-19 test depending on the state of their health. – Report from Patrick De Jesus
