Reimposition of ECQ only way to curb COVID-19 spread in Cebu City — Palace

Malacañang on Tuesday defended the government’s decision to reimpose the enhanced community quarantine in Cebu City, saying it was the only way to curb the spread of COVID-19 in one of the largest cities in the country.

Sweeping restrictions on travel and mass gatherings as well as closure of schools and most businesses will be implemented under ECQ, which started on June 16 and will run until June 30. Cebu City was previously under less stringent general community quarantine.

“Nandito na tayo sa pagkakataon na ECQ na naman tayo. Samantalahin na lang po natin ang ECQ para tuluyan nang mapababa po ang pagkalat ng COVID-19,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a televised briefing.

“Alam ko magiging mahirap ang buhay ninyo sa susunod na dalawang linggo pero wala na po tayong alternatibo. Wala pang vaccine, wala pang gamot so tanggapin na lang po natin na ito lang po ang tanging pamamaraan para malabanan natin ang COVID-19.”

He also asked for the cooperation of Cebu City residents to ensure effective implementation of the ECQ.

Roque said the decision of the COVID-19 task force, which was backed by President Rodrigo Duterte, was based on the increasing number of new cases and widespread community transmission in the majority of barangays in the city.

The government also cited the consistent case doubling time of less than seven days and significant increase in critical care utilization against critical care capacity.

Talisay City in Cebu province was placed under modified ECQ for the same reasons.

As of June 14, Cebu City reported 2,810 COVID-19 infections, while 61 of 80 barangays have active cases, according to the Department of Health. — RSJ, GMA News