DOH backs ‘time-out’ for NCR following calls from medical groups

The Department of Health (DOH) supported the calls of medical groups to place the National Capital Region in enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) as the healthcare system is already overwhelmed.

In a statement dated Saturday but posted on Sunday, the DOH said the department will advocate for the call for a ‘time-out’ in NCR in a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).

“We support the call of our frontliners to ensure a science-based approach and stricter implementation of community quarantine measures,” DOH said.

In a dialogue with frontliners, the DOH also committed to proactively lead the implementation of effective localized lockdowns with the National Task Force in support of local governments.

With the help of the health sector stakeholders, the DOH also vowed to revisit its strategy and develop an updated version of it in seven days.

Meanwhile, DOH asked the public with their patriotism and sense of duty to help ensure that the healthcare system is not overwhelmed by following health measures in light of COVID-19.

On Saturday, various medical associations called on President Rodrigo Duterte to place Metro Manila under ECQ as health workers are already worn out due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases.

“The medical community appeals for return to enhanced community quarantine in Mega Manila from August 1 to 15 to recalibrate strategies against COVID-19,” according to the joint letter read by Philippine Medical Association president Jose Santiago in a virtual press conference.

“Health care workers are united in sounding a distressed signal to the nation. Our healthcare system is overwhelmed,” Santiago said.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Saturday said he would put forward the medical frontliners' suggestion to the IATF.

"We hear you," Duque said in a statement, as he vowed that the DOH was committed to doing more to “care for our carers” with detailed plans for support.

Members of the Cabinet and the IATF gathered late Saturday night to discuss concerns raised by the medical community.

The meeting was called by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, according to Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News