The Department of Health (DOH) said it is monitoring the reported rise in COVID-19 cases in several areas of the National Capital Region (NCR), due to increased mobility and reduced compliance with health protocols.
DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III reiterated during the July 15 Laging Handa briefing that they continue to coordinate with local chief executives, saying that they should not relax enforcement of protocols.
“’Yung ating pagpapaigting ng ating PDITR [Prevent, Detect, Isolate, Treat, Reintegrate], kinakailangan ay huwag magluluwag dito… Plus, of course, ‘yung vaccination and siya pa ring ating stratehiya,” Duque said.
Dr. Alethea De Guzman of the DOH Epidemiology Bureau said in her July 15 palace briefing report that Makati, San Juan, Muntinlupa, Mandaluyong, Manila, Malabon, and Navotas have positive two-week growth rate (2WGR).
The national government has already extended the general community quarantine (GCQ) in Metro Manila until July 31.
Duque said they cannot yet provide a long-term forecast on whether the GCQ “with restrictions” will be retained in Metro Manila until December due to the changes in situation.
Meanwhile, the DOH said they remain on alert on the Delta variant threat through intensified border control measures and imposition of travel restrictions.
“Kung sakaling makapasok naman, meron tayong naka-antabay na strengthened border control and strict quarantine protocols na tinatawag natin na 7-10-4 formula,” Duque said.
De Guzman assured that COVID-19 vaccines remain effective in protecting against Delta variant, especially when both doses for two-dose vaccines are administered.
“Mayroon ngang posibleng pagkakaiba sa mga efficacy nila, pero lahat sila ay nagpapakita ng more than 50% na efficacy,” she said.
Classes, outdoor activities
Duque reiterated President Duterte’s statement that no pilot testing of physical classes will be allowed pending the vaccine supply sufficiency in the country.
Metro Manila mayors have decided to issue a resolution on allowed outdoor activities and child safety zones for children five years-old and above.
“Napag-usapan naming mga mayors na since ang Manila ay hindi naman ganon karami ang parks, mas pinabuti nating i-define na ang park ay anything na walang bubong at al fresco,” Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairperson Benhur Abalos said.
“Pinag-usapan din po na hinikayat ng mga alkalde na mag bigay na ng listahan sa publiko [para] they will see kung saan sila pwedeng magpunta all over Metro Manila,” Abalos added. – Report from Allan Francisco/AG-rir
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