Quarantine classification now based on COVID growth, daily attack rates —Roque

The growth rate of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila is among the considerations now in deciding on a specific area's quarantine classification, according to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

Interviewed on Unang Hirit on Tuesday, Roque said also being considered is the average daily attack rate in a specific area.

“Kinukumpara 'yung figures every two weeks. 'Yung daily attack rate po, ilan ang nagkaroon per 100,000. At 'yung growth rate, gaano kabilis nag-doble din 'yung mga kaso,” he said.

In a televised briefing later in the day, Roque clarified that the two-week growth rate of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila was not around 200%, noting that his explanation earlier in the day may have caused confusion.

“Hindi lang po ako naging malinaw siguro pero hindi po ‘yan ang intensyon ko. Dine-describe ko lang po kung ano ‘yung bagong classification system,” he said.

Roque, during the Unang Hirit interview, said growth rate at more than 200% is considered "high," less than 200% is "moderate," while 0% is low. According to him, the growth rate and also the average daily attack rate in Metro Manila are at moderate level.

On Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte announced that Metro Manila will remain under general community quarantine (GCQ). Also under GCQ are Batangas, Tacloban, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Iligan.

“Kung ang average daily attack rate ay less than 1 pero ang growth rate ay 200%, magiging GCQ ‘yan. Kung ang average daily attack rate ay less than 1 at nasa 0 to 200% ang growth rate, ‘yan ay MGCQ,” Roque explained.

“Kung wala talagang kaso, ‘yan po ay minimal o ‘yung tinatawag na new normal,” he added.

Metro Manila mayors and experts from the University of the Philippines-OCTA Research team earlier urged an extension of the GCQ over the capital region to sustain the gains made against COVID-19.

The Philippines has logged 307,288 COVID-19 cases as of Monday afternoon, still the highest across Southeast Asia.

Under the less stringent GCQ, more industries are allowed to open.

Religious gatherings are also allowed under GCQ but only 10% of the venue capacity may be occupied.  —KBK, GMA News