PHAPi bats for two-week extension of Alert Level 4 in NCR

The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines (PHAPi) on Thursday batted for a two-week extension of the Alert Level 4 in the National Capital Region (NCR).

"Kung tatanungin natin 'yung ating healthcare professionals na kinakausap natin, talagang ang [sinasabi] nila masyadong maaga kung maniniwala agad tayo na talagang pababa," PHAPi president Dr. Jose de Grano said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

(If we will ask our healthcare professionals, they are saying that it is too early if we immediately believe that cases are truly going down.)

"Siguro for the next two weeks, ituloy po muna natin na Level 4, at least two weeks po," de Grano added.

(Let us continue the Level 4 for at least two weeks).

Alert Level 4 will last until September 30 unless extended. Malacañang said the government task force on COVID-19 response will meet on Thursday afternoon to discuss NCR's next alert level.

De Grano said over 10,000 daily COVID-19 cases are still high despite a downward trend following the implementation of the alert level system.

He further said that the occupancy rate of private hospitals in NCR are almost at full capacity and in critical situation due to lack of healthcare workers.

De Grano also noted a rising number of cases in Regions III and IV.

The business sector, meanwhile, appealed that the NCR be placed under Alert Level 3 in the fourth quarter of 2021. —KBK, GMA News