OCTA Research fellow Ranjit Rye on Tuesday, July 13, said the government should consider keeping Metro Manila under general community quarantine (GCQ) until the end of July due to the threat posed by the Delta variant of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

"With NCR (National Capital Region), I think we should continue with GCQ. Pwede tayo magluwag sa mga (we can relax restrictions for) business establishments. Kaya ko sinasabi 'to, may banta tayo ng Delta (I am saying this because of the threat posed by the Delta variant)," Rye said during a televised briefing.

"We are not yet ready for MGCQ (modified enhanced community quarantine)...we do not qualify. Even based on the government’s criteria for MGCQ, we won’t qualify pa, as of now," he added.

Rye said the overall situation in Metro Manila is "good" but has to be sustained by increasing vaccinations.

"We need to do urgently kasi may banta ng (because of the threats posed by the) Delta (variant). It is not a question of if, it’s a question of when. And that’s why we need to be prepared and one of the ways to be prepared aside from expanding testing, tracing, and isolation is really to ensure that as many people in our communities where cases are prevalent are vaccinated," he said.

Rye also urged the government to stick to the "NCR Plus 8" plan "to get through this pandemic faster" and "have a better Christmas."

NCR Plus 8 bubble consists of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Pampanga, Batangas, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao.

"Kung gusto talaga nating magbukas before Christmas nang todo-todo lalo na sa NCR+8 at matulungan ang buong bansa, magpabakuna na tayo (If we really want to fully open the economy before Christmas, especially in NCR+8, and help the whole country, let's get vaccinated," Rye said.

"Hindi lang sapat na mag iingat tayo, magsuot ng face shield, face mask, social distancing at handwashing (It is not enough for us to be careful, wear face shield, face mask, and social distancing and handwashing)," he added.

Rye said vaccinating more individuals belonging to A2 (seniors) and A3 (with co-morbidities) is important to lessen COVID-19 deaths.

He cited studies suggesting that a minimum of 30 percent vaccine coverage in Metro Manila, "we will be able to see a significant change in the current situation."

"Babagsak na yung cases. Yung mortality rate bababa at mas malaya tayong makalabas ng bahay at makapaghanapbuhay (The number of cases will fall. The mortality rate will go down and we will be freer to leave home and earn a living)," He added.