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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Public health expert backs implementation of Alert Level 4 in Metro Manila

Public health expert backs implementation of Alert Level 4 in Metro Manila

Published Jan 9, 2022 02:55 pm

Amid the recent spike of infections, a public health expert has expressed support for the implementation of Alert Level 4 status in Metro Manila to prevent the further spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

(File Photo/ Unsplash)

Public health expert and former National Task Force (NTF) against COVID-19 special adviser Dr. Anthony “Tony” Leachon, on Sunday, Jan. 9, said that the implementation of Alert Level 4 in Metro Manila may help curb the viral transmission in the country.

“On a societal basis, I think kailangan po na i-revisit ng Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) . Kung 60 to 70 percent of the cases are in the National Capital Region (NCR), being the epicenter, we might put it on Alert Level 4 so that hindi na kumalat (On a societal basis, I think the IATF needs to revisit the guidelines. If 60 to 70 percent of cases are in the NCR, being the epicenter, we might put it on Alert Level 4 to avoid the further spread of infections),” said Leachon in an interview over DZRH.

“Kasi kumalat na sa Central Luzon, CALABARZON, at meron na rin sa Central at Western Visayas. Kung maaapektuhan ang mga evacuation centers in the VisMin, this may be catastrophic kasi we cannot fight too many wars (Because it has spread to Central Luzon, CALABARZON, and Central and Western Visayas. If evacuation centers in VisMin will be affected, this may be catastrophic because we cannot fight too many wars),” he added.

Leachon likewise said that the Omicron is now the "dominant" variant based on the available indicators such as the rapid transmissibility of infections and the increase in the number of mild cases that the country witnessed recently.

“Ang kinakatakutan natin dito , siya ay hindi virulent pero marami rin siyang naaapektuhan. Kapag tumaas ang cases mo... eventually ay mao-overwhelm din ang mga hospital (What we fear here in Omicron is that, it is not virulent but it affects many. If the cases increase, eventually the hospitals will be overwhelmed),” said Leachon.

Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III previously said that there is a possibility that Metro Manila may be placed under Alert Level 4 amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases.

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