The Inter-Agency Task Force on Saturday, April 10, 2021, placed the National Capital Region (NCR), Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) beginning April 12 until April 30, 2021.
Meanwhile, Abra shall be placed under MECQ and Quezon under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) from April 12 to 30, 2021.
For MECQ-NCR Plus, dedicated COVID-19 beds in isolation, quarantine and health facilities must be increased through the joint effort of the Department of Education, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Department of Health.
There must be an adequate number of COVID-19 dedicated beds, complementary health human resources, and well-coordinated triage and referral systems in place at the local government units (LGUs), isolation and quarantine facilities, and health facilities.
Hospitals must also be decongested through the partnership of hospitals with temporary treatment and monitoring facilities / step-down facilities for mild/moderate care or home care, provided there is proof of capacity to do adequate quarantine/isolation.
LGUs in the NCR Plus are likewise enjoined to set-up their respective local telehealth triaging systems equipped with sufficient medical personnel available to provide immediate medical and patient referral advice.
In addition, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation must ensure the continued responsive and timely payment of reimbursement claims for COVID-19.
Another measure that must be implemented in the NCR Plus during the MECQ period is enjoining the LGUs to prioritize the generation of demand for vaccination to those with highest risk for severe disease and death, particularly Priority Groups A2 and A3 of the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan for COVID-19.
Finally, the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Trade and Industry are directed to ascertain the number of employees who may undertake alternative work arrangements and its impact on the maximum carrying capacity of the subject area.
