The OCTA Research Group proposed restricting entry and exit in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces to protect the region from the more contagious Delta variant of COVID-19.
According to OCTA Research fellow Guido David, the quarantine status of Metro Manila, which is currently in general community quarantine, should not be changed.
“Pag may bubble tayo at protected tayo dito sa loob ng NCR Plus, ‘di tayo ma-affect from outside at patuloy ang ekonomiya natin,” said David.
From July 10 to 16, some areas in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces, dubbed “NCR Plus,” recorded many cases of COVID-19 but only low to moderate infection rates and use of intensive care units. (ICU).
This includes Quezon City, Manila, Makati, Pasig, Taguig, Las Piñas as well as Calamba, Laguna and Bacoor, Cavite.
The infection and incidence rate in Mariveles, Bataan hit “very high risk.”
“Mariveles is having a surge. They reported 200 cases in one day. Tapos ngayon, they’re still reporting mga 70 cases,” said David.
Strict entry, exit in NCR Plus proposed vs Delta variant
But Mariveles Mayor Jocelyn Castañeda said cases have increased in their area since there was widespread testing for COVID-19.
“Talaga pong tumaas ‘yong kaso naming mula po nang magkaroon po ng mass testing,” said Castañeda.
“Ito po ‘yong sitwasyon namin sa Mariveles dahil po host po kami ng isa sa pinakamalaking export area po dito, economic zone,” she added.
In Central Visayas, daily cases increased in Cebu and Lapu-Lapu City, both of which have “very high risk” infection rates.
In Mindanao, ICU use is high in Davao City, Tagum and Cagayan de Oro.
Cagayan de Oro is currently in enhanced community quarantine, where 5 cases of Delta variant were recorded.
According to the OCTA report, cases have dropped in the city, but many are still in the ICU.
According to OCTA, quarantine restriction needs to be further tightened in areas with Delta variant cases.
He also said that compliance with minimum public health standards should be intensified, and social gatherings should be reduced.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.