The OCTA Research Group believes that enforcing the curfew, liquor ban and other restrictions in Metro Manila and other areas will help in reducing COVID-19 cases.
Guido David, OCTA fellow, told TeleRadyo that the reproduction rate of the virus is expected to decrease slightly with the curfew that will begin this Monday night, in addition to localized lockdowns and ordinances.
OCTA is also in favor of enforcing a liquor ban and other policies that will prevent people from gathering.
“May konting inaasahan tayo na bababa naman nang konti ang reproduction number pag napatupad na ngayon ang curfew, limited hours,” said David.
“Ang inaasahan natin, mapabagal niya nang konti ‘yung pandemic, ‘yung pagkalat,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Manila Police District (MPD) said they are ready to implement the curfew that will run from 10 pm to 5 am.
According to MPD chief Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco, violators in Manila will be taken to the barangay basketball courts and would have to do exercises.
But he said there is an associated fine if not brought and caught again violating the curfew.
Also read: 14 employees of Davao City gov’t caught drinking amid liquor ban
Curfew, liquor ban effective in reducing COVID-19 cases: OCTA group
Only “authorized persons outside residence” (APOR) and those with medical emergencies may leave the house during the curfew.
Others exempted from curfew:
1. Health workers coming in or out of work
2. Government workers entering or leaving work
3. Food services staff and delivery of essential goods
4. Funeral workers
In a separate interview with TeleRadyo, National Capital Region Police Office chief Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao said that they will enforce maximum tolerance in enforcing the curfew.
“We will exercise maximum tolerance pa rin para naman mapagbigyan kasi yung iba baka di nila alam na effective tonight we’ll be implementing a uniform curfew sa buong NCR. Ang ibang may katigasan ang ulo we will forewarn them pero may ibang di talaga siguro susunod baka yan ang mga huhulihin natin,” said Danao.
Aside from curfew and lockdowns, the Department of Health (DOH) on Monday also called on the public to wear face masks even when they are inside their homes to prevent family clustering of COVID-19 cases.