OCTA proposes 'soft MECQ' for NCR if surge in COVID-19 cases continues after 2 weeks

Experts from the OCTA Research group have asked Metro Manila mayors to consider stricter quarantine measures if the surge in COVID-19 cases will continue after two weeks.

OCTA Research fellow Ranjit Rye said they proposed a “soft” modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in a meeting with the mayors on March 11, four days before the local government units started the implementation of unified curfew hours from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for two weeks or until March 31.

“The soft MECQ in our position is one where businesses are still open, transportation is available for our workers, but of course all forms of social gathering are prohibited. Work from home and other types of arrangements are required both in the public and private sector,” Rye said in an online briefing.

Rye said the shift to soft MECQ will only happen if a “hard” general community quarantine (GCQ) will not be able to significantly reduce the reproduction number, which is currently at 1.9 for the National Capital Region.

A reproduction number of 1 or higher indicates sustained COVID-19 transmission.

Under its hard GCQ proposal, the operation of government offices and industries will continue but with a significant percentage of workforce allowed to work through various arrangements such as work from home and/or staggered work hours.

Social gatherings and certain activities in enclosed areas will be discouraged, quarantine passes for the workforce only and mass transportation should be available for all workers.

“This a very serious surge. We cannot minimize it. We cannot downplay it. It’s already affecting lives and livelihoods,” Rye said.

Sought for comment on OCTA’s suggestion of a hard GCQ, National Task Force Against COVID-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said they trust the capacity of the mayors to address the situation.

“They know what they are doing and they have come up with solutions,” Galvez said at a Palace press briefing.

OCTA Research, meanwhile, welcomed the government’s new measures to reduce people's mobility.

Malacañang announced on Friday that a 30% limit on business and religious gatherings, down from the previous 50%, in GCQ areas, including Metro Manila, will be in place until April 4. --KBK, GMA News