The two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) implemented in Metro Manila was effective after the ‘growth rate’ of new COVID-19 cases dropped.
“The lockdown in the form of enhanced community quarantine helped reduce the growth rate of new COVID-19 cases,” according to the OCTA Research Group.
According to OCTA, this means that the surge in Metro Manila has slowed down. But he said the national and local governments and the public still do not need to have confidence because it could happen again if neglected.
In their data, from 3,088 daily average cases from August 8-14, it climbed to 3,819 daily average from August 15-21. As a result, the reproduction number in the National Capital Region (NCR) is dropping from 1.90 to 1.67, but it is still higher than the ideal 1.0.
The number of new cases has also decreased more slowly this August than April due to the current presence of the more contagious Delta variant. In addition, the continued movement of many people despite the implementation of the ECQ also has an impact.
To maintain the decline, OCTA said the public restriction needs to continue over the next four weeks.
OCTA: COVID-19 surge in Metro Manila slows down
Meanwhile, the “tiny bubbles” policy will remain in the National Capital Region amid the implementation of modified enhanced community quarantine in the region, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
Under the policy, individuals will still not be allowed to buy basic commodities outside their cities or towns.
However, individuals who will work or have a medical appointment or emergency service at the hospital will be allowed to cross to other cities.
Meanwhile, according to a group of experts, the number of new COVID-19 cases recorded in the country per day is likely to hit 20,000.
“‘Yong 20,000, mukhang very possible na maabot natin iyan within the next two weeks. 20,000 cases in one day. Itong 17,000 na nakita natin 2 days ago, hindi pa iyan ‘yong pinakamataas, hindi pa iyan ‘yong peak,” said Guido David of the OCTA Research Group, a group of professors conducting the study on COVID-19 data.
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