Guevarra: IATF has not discussed yet plans for 'forced' quarantine

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday said the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on top of government measures against COVID-19 has not discussed yet plans for a "forced internment" of persons suspected of having been infected by the virus.

"No such plans for a forced internment have been discussed in the IATF," Guevarra, a member of the IATF, said in a message to reporters.

"What has been discussed is the conversion of certain big structures and buildings like the PICC when regular hospitals reach their maximum room capacity," he said.

"LGUs have also been required to provide quarantine or isolation centers in their respective jurisdictions to address the needs of families with not enough space in their homes," the Justice chief added.

An earlier report citing retired general Carlito Galvez, Jr. said the government is considering a "massive forced quarantine" of persons who are either under investigation or monitoring for COVID-19 if the number of cases does not decrease in the coming days.

In a subsequent radio interview, Galvez, the chief implementer of the national action plan against COVID-19, said this could be done on a case-to-case basis, as some may be able to effectively isolate themselves at home.

He noted that people in poor communities may not be able to observe physical distancing given their limited space.

Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar said he has ordered the conversion of the Philippine International Convention Center Forum Halls, the World Trade Center, and the Rizal Memorial Coliseum into COVID-19 treatment and monitoring facilities to be completed in 10 days.

Galvez has alo said the government may have to extend the community quarantine period in "some affected areas."

Before this, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año had said an extension would not be advisable as it would adversely impact the Philippine economy.

As of Wednesday afternoon, health authorities have recorded 2,311 COVID-19 cases in the country. Of this number, 96 patients have died and 50 have recovered.—AOL, GMA News