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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider 1-week ECQ not 'realistically' enough to reduce COVID-19 cases by 25% - PGH spox

1-week ECQ not 'realistically' enough to reduce COVID-19 cases by 25% - PGH spox

Published Mar 29, 2021 10:58 am

A medical expert from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) said the one-week implementation of the enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus will not be “realistically” enough to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases by 25 percent.

Policemen keep watch at a checkpoint along a road in Quezon City on March 23, 2021, after authorities implemented stricter social distancing protocols due to an increase of new COVID-19 infections on residents in Metro Manila. (Photo by Jam STA ROSA / AFP / MANILA BULLETIN)

Dr. Jonas del Rosario, PGH spokesman, said the ECQ must be done “at least two weeks “ or even “extend it to four weeks” for the government to achieve its case reduction target.

“I’m hoping that is enough, but realistically, if you look at the numbers, I don’t think it’s enough,” he told CNN Philippines on Monday (March 29).

The doctor, however, said he understands where the government is coming from.

“I think we have to play it by ear. You cannot just totally lockdown or impose ECQ considering the economic effects to our mga kababayan (fellowmen),” he said.

Malacanang on Sunday (March 28) said it expects the ECQ to slash the number of COVID cases in the country by more than 25 percent.

“I think the expectation is mas malaki pa po sa (it will be more than) 25 percent because this is ECQ,” Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in a press briefing.

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