By Marjaleen Ramos
An extended lockdown is possible as there are still no significant signs that the curve is flattening, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Response Chief Implementor Carlito Galvez said Sunday.
"Yes, there is a possibility it may be extended because the threshold has not yet been achieved," Galvez said an interview with CNN Philippines.
"There's still the rise of new cases, and also the cases of the deaths... Wala pa tayong nakikitang significant na there's a flatten of the curve," said Galvez, adding that the next two weeks will be critical for their observation.
Galvez said that they were now gathering self-assessment from local government units (LGUs) to also hear their side.
"We want to be careful because we don't want to rush into making a decision... We will consider all factors that will affect our decision," Galvez said.
He said the Inter-Agency Task Force is expected to come out with its final recommendation to the President before April 14.
The official also said they were also considering the social economic and security impact of the quarantine extension.
Galvez, meanwhile, noted that the lockdown should be complemented with aggressive massive testing and contact tracing.
He said that there were already four subtesting areas for COVID-19.
Galvez said the conversion of the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila into a quarantine facility is expected to be completed this week.
Luzon was placed under an enhanced community quarantine on March 17 due to the surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country.
As of Saturday, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country has reached 3,094. Of those infected, 144 died and 57 recovered.