Metro Manila LGUs to implement stricter measures due to surge of Covid cases

By Jack Ramos

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Yesterday, the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed 4,899 Covid-19 cases bringing the Philippines' total to 621,498.

Since March 5, the country is continuously experiencing a sudden surge of Covid-19 infections, and in a span of nine days the country reached a total of 36,496 making it a total of 48,157 active cases as of last Sunday.

Prof. Guido David of the OCTA Research Group said in an interview with CNN Philippines that new cases nationwide might record up to 8,000 daily by the end of March and may rise around 17,000 to 18,000 mid-April if the current increase of Covid-19 cases does not change.

"By April, pwede tayong umabot ng 14,000 sa Metro Manila, isang araw lang ‘yun. Gano’n kasi kabilis tumaas yun eh, ‘yung bilang ng kaso,” David said.

(By April, we may reach 14,000 cases in Metro Manila in just one day. That's how fast the number of cases can rise.)

With the current increase in Covid-19 cases, Metro Manila local government units agreed once again to declare a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. that is set to start today, March 15, until the end of the month.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to deploy 10,000 cops to make sure that the uniform curfew hours in Metro Manila will be strictly implemented.

"The mission is plain and simple: All police forces will strictly implement the Uniform Curfew Hours from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and will ensure that people in Metro Manila observe the minimum health safety standard protocol," said PNP officer-in-charge Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar in a statement sent to reporters.

Eleazar also stated that he instructed the police officers to practice maximum tolerance and respect for human rights to the citizens.

"To our personnel on the ground, be reminded of our two rules to avoid unnecessary confrontation to the public -- one, observe maximum tolerance, and two respect the people's rights. We will be closely monitoring your compliance," following his statement that is given to the reporters.

"And to the public, we also offer a formula to prevent unnecessary confrontation and spare yourself from arrest: one, respect the rules on observance of the minimum health safety standard protocols; and two, respect the authorities that are enforcing these protocols," Eleazar added.

In compliance with the curfew Manila City Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso commanded all government agencies in Manila to only require 30% of their staff that is physically working with the exception of Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO), Department of Public Services (DSP), Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), Manila Health Department, Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW), and all district hospitals.

Meanwhile, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte ordered a liquor ban that will be in effect until the end of the month. Belmonte also implemented the suspension of spas, gyms and internet cafes due to the surge of Covid-19 cases

Parañaque city Mayor Edwin Olivarez also banned the sale of alcoholic beverages in restaurants, bars, groceries, and convenience stores.

The OCTA Research, an independent group composed of scientist from the University of the Philippines (UP), University of Santo Tomas (UST) and Providence College in the United States, believes that the recent measures that are implemented by cities in Metro Manila will help to reduce the surge of Covid-19 cases in the cities.

"I think that could give us some hope. But if things don't change much soon, the trend does not change, I think the government will not have a lot of option left, I think we're reaching 8,000 or even more. Definitely the government will probably step in and impose a more strict quarantine because the healthcare system will be overwhelmed by that," Guido said in an interview with CNN Philippines.