Push Admin

Government told to consider MECQ, beef up mass testing to slow down COVID-19 surge

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2021/news/03/27/20210323-covid19-gcq-batangas-laguna-checkpoint-md-13.jpg"/><figcaption>A checkpoint screens passing vehicles coming from Santo Tomas, Batangas heading to Calamba, Laguna on Tuesday as curfew hours under the general community quarantine (GCQ) with additional restrictions in the &quot;NCR Plus bubble&quot; nears. Non-essential travel in and out of the bubble is restricted, with the area under curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. until April 4. <em>Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA - The government must consider placing COVID-19 hotspots under lockdown anew, a health expert said, as the number of daily new cases soared to a record-high of 9,838. </p><p>Former COVID-19 task force adviser Tony Leachon proposed the implementation of a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), the second highest of quarantine levels for two weeks, while running at least 50,000 tests per day, to halt the increase in coronavirus cases.</p><p>He also called for better contact tracing, improved protection for healthcare workers, and the creation of satellite clinics for patients who can&#x27;t access health facilities. </p><p>Most hospitals in the capital region already reported full capacity for COVID-19.</p><p>Leachon said the government should have a plan of action and urgently decide on ways on how to control the uptick in cases. </p><p>&quot;Leaders will [need to] step up to the plate. Hindi tayo puwedeng walang mangyari dito,&quot; he said in a video broadcast on his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrTonyLeachon/posts/294249095481948" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. </p><p>Leachon also lamented the government decision to allow church services this coming Holy Week, as this could further increase COVID-19 cases. </p><p>&quot;Sana hindi muna kahit Holy Week kasi pwede naman online. God is present anywhere...kahit 10 percent capacity, parishioners [will come] from different areas, iba-iba ang level of hygienic measures,&quot; he added. </p><p>&quot;Hindi tama po na magpalabas tayo,&quot; he added.</p><p>On Friday, Malacañang reversed an earlier announcement for Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal—which government called &quot;NCR Plus&quot; bubble area—and allowed limited religious gatherings from April 1 to 4. Under the new rule, churches can hold a program only once a day, while observing a 10 percent capacity to control crowds.<br/> <br/>Leachon said the government must also speed up vaccination, especially in the National Capital Region, Region 4A, and Central Luzon, where COVID-19 cases are rising uncontrollably.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" frameBorder="0" height="100%" id="ivsplayer01" scrolling="no" src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/html/iframe-src.html?iframeid=ivsplayer01&amp;key=e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603&amp;spid=3001339&amp;vid=1648237" width="100%"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div>

<p>The government must consider placing COVID-19 hotspots under lockdown anew, a health expert said, as the number of daily new cases soared to a record-high of 9,838. </p>

The government must consider placing COVID-19 hotspots under lockdown anew, a health expert said, as the number of daily new cases soared to a record-high of 9,838.