Nograles: ‘Very strict’ localized lockdowns can be expected if NCR goes back to GCQ

Metro Manila residents could expect intensified localized lockdowns if ever the region moves to a general community quarantine (GCQ), according to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles on Friday.

"If we go [back to] GCQ, we'll have to be very strict doon sa ating localized lockdowns. We have to be more active sa localized lockdowns," Nograles, co-chair of the IATF, said in an interview on ANC.

"I think, with Cabinet secretaries assigned to the different cities of Metro Manila now, we can assure the public na even if mag-GCQ mas magiging aktibo po ang pag-localize lockdowns natin," he added.

Nograles said the mechanism of assigning "big brothers and sisters" to oversee pandemic response in NCR was put in place to "replicate what happened in Cebu City" where Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu was tasked to ensure that the COVID-19 situation would be properly managed whether these areas move to GCQ or remain under MECQ.

He said the IATF will have a meeting within the day to discuss the feedback of the Metro Manila mayors on the initial assessment of the task force on their pandemic situation.

Assigned to oversee the COVID-19 response in Quezon City together with Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Nograles said eight new isolation facilities will be ready by the end of August.

The hiring of additional health care workers is also ongoing, he added.

Further, Nograles said he will push for the use of antigen test in Quezon City to fast-track the detection of COVID-19 cases.

"Antigen takes about 30 minutes to an hour. If we get the protocols for antigen, I'll push for [it], I'm sure Mayor Joy will agree doon sa antigen testing," he said.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the antigen test is only recommended to be used when the patient is in the first five days of illness.

Vergeire said it might yield a false positive if the user was pre-symptomatic or was already in the sixth or seventh day of illness.

There are about 8,000 active COVID-19 cases in Quezon City, according to Nograles. — RSJ, GMA News