The UP OCTA Research team explained that it is still early to de-escalate the community quarantine classification of the National Capital Region (NCR) to MGCQ despite the decline in reported cases within the past few days.
“Mayroong downward trend pa rin (There is still a downward trend) in the NCR. We need to sustain that downward trend if you want to move to MGCQ. Pero (But) right now, it would be premature to move to MGCQ status,” Prof. Ranjit Rye elucidated.
The Department of Health (DOH) reiterated that the decision on the community quarantine is not only based on numbers but also on the health system capacity of the country.
“’Pag nakita natin na hindi makakaagapay ang isang lugar, in spite na mababa pa lang ang kaso, hindi ganoong karami ang increase, mayroon ding times na magde-desisyon ang IATF na itataas (If we observe that an area cannot cope in spite of the low cases, there is not much increase, there are times the IATF will decide to raise it [quarantine status]),” DOH USec. Maria Rosario Vergeire pointed out.
Latest data from the DOH show that the occupancy rate of ICU, isolation, and ward beds in the NCR is around 50 to 60 percent. DOH USec. Leopoldo Vega said low numbers must be met and maintained to ease quarantine measures.
“Kung talagang gustuhin natin na ma-de-escalate o ma-MGCQ, dapat below 60% or nasa moderate risk ang critical utilization rate… Kung mame-maintain natin ‘yang ganoon, 63 percent, then manatili talaga tayo na maging GCQ muna para magkaroon ng restrictions (If we really want to de-escalate to MGCQ, the critical utilization rate must be below 60% or moderate risk. If we maintain the 63%, then we will remain under GCQ for restrictions),” Vega said.
Meanwhile, the DOH has been observing clustering of cases for the past few days that brought about additional COVID-19 cases.
As of September 28, there are 307,288 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 252,665 recoveries, and 5,381 fatalities nationwide. – Report from Mark Fetalco
