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The Philippines has reported fewer Covid-19 cases so far this month, about 86,000. AFP via The Straits Times / Asia News Network
MANILA, Philippines – The current quarantine restrictions in the Philippine capital Manila and five other urban centers will remain in place until at least October, as the government hears experts who warn that reopening the country too soon could lead to a surge in coronavirus infections at Christmas.
The rest of the country will be under the less restrictive “modified general community quarantine,” announced Health Secretary Francisco Duque during a meeting late on Monday (September 28) with President Rodrigo Duterte.
The Philippines has reported fewer Covid-19 cases so far this month, about 86,000, compared to last month, which recorded more than 130,000 cases. It still has the highest number of infections in Southeast Asia, totaling more than 300,000, although active cases have now dropped to around 49,000.
Data analysts and health experts at the Philippine State University said the indicators had been encouraging so far.
Only half of the hospital beds reserved for Covid-19 patients in the capital are now occupied.
But these figures still fell short of what was needed for restrictions in Metro Manila, home to some 16 million, to loosen further.
“The situation in (Metro Manila) has improved, since the transmission rate, the number of cases, as well as the positivity rate and the measure for the use of hospital resources, are all on a downward trend,” they said. .
They said that while the time it took for infections to double had improved to 13 days from 1.55 in March, it still falls short of the 28 days the government waited before it could further ease restrictions on public transportation, work and recreational activities.
“Based on past data and trends, a premature breakdown of quarantine status can increase the risk of a sudden spike in December, around Christmas time,” they warned.
They said that with the current rate of infections and with the restrictions in place, Covid-19 cases could still reach 400,000 by the end of the year.
Most of the Philippines went through one of the tightest and longest blockades in the world from mid-March to May.
The blanket lockdown was lifted in June, but that quickly led to a spike in infections that forced Duterte to re-enforce a two-week lockdown in August.
That allowed the government to “restart” its response to the pandemic, authorities said.
Since then, more trains, buses and jeepneys have been allowed to run on its routes. More people have been allowed into shopping malls, churches and other public places.
Gyms and other sports clubs, internet cafes and lounges have been reopened.
But the government continues to impose strict rules on the use of masks and face shields and social distancing.
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