The OCTA Research Group considers COVID-19 in Metro Manila to be in a “serious surge.”
This is after 1,740 new COVID-19 cases were recorded on Saturday in the capital region, the highest number of new cases since May 10.
OCTA considers thirteen cities as “high-risk areas” out of 16 cities and 1 municipality that makes up Metro Manila. Still, District 3 makes up Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela is the epicenter of the surge.
According to OCTA, the use of hospital beds and intensive care units (ICUs) in Manila has also increased but is still low to moderate, apart from Las Piñas, where the ICU is at a critical level while high in Makati and Muntinlupa.
“Naga-accelerate na nga eh. ‘Yong original projection namin sa [National Capital Region], aabot ng 2,000 cases by August 10. Ngayon, August 1 pa lang umabot na siya ng 1,700 cases sa NCR pa lang iyan,” said OCTA fellow Guido David.
“With the lockdown, hindi na siya lalampas ng 2,500. Unlike kung walang lockdown, baka umabot pa siya 8,000 pataas by the end of August,” said David.
Metro Manila has been subjected to stricter general community quarantine, and it will be enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from August 6 to 20.
Checkpoints have been set up on the boundaries of Metro Manila and neighboring provinces starting this Sunday.
Also read: DOH: No COVID-19 surge in Metro Manila
Metro Manila experiencing ‘serious surge’ of COVID-19: OCTA
Only authorized persons outside residence or APOR will be allowed through the checkpoints.
APORs include medical and uniformed personnel, government employees and officials on official travel, and authorized relief and humanitarian assistance groups.
Those with medical or other humanitarian reasons, those going to and from the airport, workers in authorized industries, and public transport operators will also be allowed to pass.
According to Defend Jobs Philippines Spokesperson Christian Lloyd Magsoy, as early as this Sunday, the food, service, and accommodation sectors will immediately feel the upcoming ECQ.
“Dapat talaga mayroong ayuda para sa mga manggagawa natin. Eh kaso sa mga pronouncements and announcements ng pamahalaan, medyo parang hindi pa nila alam kung saan kukunin ‘yong mga pang-ayuda,” said Magsoy.
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