Quarantine concentrated in one area? 'Hindi puwede,' says Año

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Wednesday said concentrating the implementation of the strict quarantine in one area is not feasible, as some people tend to move from one place to another.

In an interview on Dobol B sa News TV, Año was asked if it is possible to implement the quarantine only in areas where there is a high number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

"Hindi pupuwede kasi ang problema kasi, 'yung mga tao nagmo-move eh, 'no? Hindi mo alam pag may nakalusot na isa," Año answered.

He said this is the reason why authorities barred people, even those traveling on foot, from leaving Metro Manila to go home to their respective provinces.

"Unfair sa ibang probinsya, may darating doon na taga-Maynila. Unfair 'yun kung ikaw ang carrier, ikaw ang manghahawa sa buong probinsya na 'yun," Año said.

The entire Luzon was placed under enhanced community quarantine to contain the spread of COVID-19. Latest data from the Department of Health indicated that the Philippines has 2,084 confirmed cases with 88 deaths and 49 recoveries.

Meanwhile, Año said there is no final decision yet whether the enhanced community quarantine would be extended beyond April 14 or not.

He said concerned agencies are discussing measures on how to prevent the spread of the disease even without the lockdown.

"Open tayo sa kung papaano ang post-lockdown natin. Pinag-uusapan namin 'yan with the security sector and the health sector and the economic sector, on what could be the best course of action after the lockdown," Año said. --KBK, GMA News