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Duque favors downgrading Metro Manila's status to Alert Level 3

Philippines | National

Duque favors downgrading Metro Manila's status to Alert Level 3

By Analou de Vera

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III (Malacañang photo)

Amid the continuous decline in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said that he is in favor of placing Metro Manila under Alert Level 3.

Although the health secretary was in favor of downgrading the alert status of Metro Manila, it will still be discussed by the members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).

"I am in favor but (the) decision rests with the collective IATF (members) tomorrow after it deliberated on the recommendation of the data analytics group," said Duque in a text message.

Currently, Metro Manila is under Alert Level 4 and it is scheduled to end on October 15.

On Oct. 7, the DOH confirmed that the country's COVID-19 cases are already on a downward trend.

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire then urged the public not to be complacent and continue to strictly adhere to the different health protocols.

On Oct. 10, San Lazaro Hospital’s Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Unit head Dr. Rontgene Solante urged the government to be cautious in easing restrictions as some hospitals still have high utilization of their intensive care units (ICU).

Related stories:
DOH confirms PH's COVID-19 cases declining

Expert cautions gov't against easing COVID-19 restrictions

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Metro Manila covid-19 Department of Health (DOH)

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