Gatchalian sees need for MECQ extension in NCR

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday said the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in Metro Manila should be extended for two more weeks to ensure that the health care facilities' capacity would not be overwhelmed.

"Base sa datos ng DOH (Department of Health), nakikita ko sa NCR almost 80% full capacity na ang ating mga ospital. Ang MECQ,  ginawa natin ito para lumuwag ang hospitals," Gatchalian said in a virtual interview.

"Kaya sa nakikita ko kailangan pa i-extend ang MECQ, para makaluwag, kasi kung hindi, posibleng sumipa pa 'yan to 100%," he added.

Extending MECQ strikes the best balance right now, according to Gatchalian, as it still allows many workers to continue earning while limiting unnecessary movements.

President Rodrigo Duterte is set to announce the new quarantine status of Metro Manila and nearby areas on August 17.

The capital region and some provinces surrounding it reverted to MECQ since August 4 after medical  frontliners called for a "time out" as the admission of COVID-19 cases to hospitals remained unabated.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the impact of the two-week MECQ would only manifest two to three weeks after its implementation. —LDF, GMA News