National Capital Region (NCR) – Page 124

COVID-19 Crisis: MECQ in effect in Metro Manila until August 31, 2021

August 21, 2021August 20, 2021carlocarrasco

Finally, the surprise enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) for Metro Manila has ended as the national government announced late Thursday night that the new level of restriction for the metropolis is the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) which is now in effect and will last until August 31, 2021. For the newcomers reading this, MECQ is supposed to be lighter than ECQ when it comes to restrictions.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…

The quarantine classification in the National Capital Region (NCR) and the provinces of Laguna and Bataan has been downgraded from enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to modified ECQ (MECQ), Malacañang announced Thursday.

This, after President Rodrigo Duterte, upon the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EUD), approved the latest quarantine status in Metro Manila, Laguna, and Bataan, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.

“These latest classifications are without prejudice to the strict implementation of granular lockdowns,” said Roque, also acting as IATF-EID spokesperson, in a press statement.

Roque said Metro Manila will be placed under MECQ from Aug. 21 to 31.

Bataan, on the other hand, will be under MECQ from Aug. 23 to 31, he added.

Metro Manila, Laguna, and Bataan were initially placed under ECQ, the strictest form of community quarantine, due to the spike in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections.

Roque stressed that despite the deescalation of quarantine level, religious gatherings should remain “virtual” in Metro Manila, Laguna, and Bataan.

He added that indoor and al-fresco dine-in services, as well as personal care services such as beauty salons, beauty parlors, barbershops and nail spas should remain prohibited.

Roque said local government units in Metro Manila, Laguna, and Bataan are likewise directed to improve the vaccination rates within their localities, as well as intensify the “Prevent-Detect-Isolate-Treat-Reintegrate (PDITR) strategies to control the spread of Covid-19.

And here is a related news video to watch…

In an article by the Manila Bulletin, curfew hours in Metro Manila still remain and quarantine passes (QPs) are not required. MECQ also means no cash aid (ayuda) will be released by the national government. There are also other MECQ-related guidelines to follow in another article by the Manila Bulletin. As for the unpopular ban on outdoor exercise approved by the Metro Manila Council (MMC), that one has ended and therefore the freedom to exercise outside our homes has been restored but to a certain extent.

As seen in the details regarding MECQ, there is no real ease nor positive change for several businesses and churches. Restaurants, coffee shops and convenience stores that have tables and chairs are still prohibited from having customers dining inside and on the immediate space outside their joints. In a business sense, this is bad because take-out and delivery services are not good enough for food/beverage sellers to make their ends meet. People of faith, meanwhile, are still literally blocked from worshiping the Lord physically at the venues of their faith communities or ministries. As such, the online form of worship in Metro Manila is still the way but I can tell you from my experience that onsite, physical presence worship of the Lord is the better and more preferable way to worship Him. Online worship has its limits and it lacks the immersion that on-site, physical worship has.

That being said, I encourage you all reading this to pray to God to enlighten all the public officials (from the barangay up to the national level) to look up to Him and come back to Him for His guidance which they really need when it comes to managing the people and their communities as everyone still struggles with the COVID-19 pandemic. The public officials need prayers for the Lord to guide them, strengthen them and prevent them from getting lost.

It should be noted that just days ago, the Metro Manila Council left the decision on community control to national government. Just think about that! Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Benhur Abalos and the mayors met and that was all they could come up with – letting someone else decide for the many millions of people living and struggling in the National Capital Region (NCR).

As such, praying to the Lord to help the public officials is very much needed. It is a fact that each local government unit (LGU) in Metro Manila is struggling not only with their respective COVID-19 vaccine operations but also with all other functions.

Also pray to the Lord that the national government will be more accommodating to the businesses and churches that got negatively affected by these community quarantine levels. Pray to the Lord that the employees, the business owners, the people of faith, the pastors and ministries will be assisted and accommodated better.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about the shift to MECQ for Metro Manila? If you are a manager or owner of a restaurant or coffee shop, how did the recent ECQ affect you and your employees?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: PNP to strictly implement Metro Manila prohibition on outdoor exercise during ECQ

August 12, 2021August 11, 2021carlocarrasco

Did you spot anyone running or biking or hiking outdoors in your local community recently? I spotted nobody doing any fitness activities outdoors which is not surprising since the Metro Manila mayors passed the resolution prohibiting outdoor exercise for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) which is supposed to end on August 20, 2021.

Yesterday I spotted the Philippine News Agency (PNA) follow-up story to the NCR outdoor exercise ban and it focuses on the side of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who are following the orders to implement the said ban.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, on Wednesday, ordered all police officers to strictly enforce the prohibition on outdoor exercises for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period in the National Capital Region (NCR).

“Ang pagbabawal sa mga outdoor activity ay desisyon ng ating mga Metro Manila mayors na kailangang ipatupad ng inyong PNP para sa kapakanan ng lahat, lalo na at marami na ang kumpirmadong kaso ng mga bata, kabilang ang mga sanggol, na nahahawa ng Covid-19 (The prohibition on all outdoor activities is the collective decision of all Metro Manila mayors that need to be implemented by the PNP for the safety of all, especially now that there are a lot of cases involving children, and even babies, who got infected with the coronavirus disease 2019),” Eleazar said in a statement.

He called the prohibition on all outdoor activities very timely, considering that the Philippines has been declared as “high-risk” for Covid-19 due to the increasing number of infections.

The measure, he added, is needed to ensure that the situation would not worsen the country’s health and economic situation.

Eleazar also directed police commanders to maximize the information drive on the measure through the PNP’s social media accounts and through Oplan Bandillo where policemen warn the public through a megaphone or speaker system installed in roving police vehicles.

He appealed to Metro Manila residents to abide by this rule and cooperate with authorities.

In Resolution 21-17, series of 2021 issued on Monday, the Metro Manila Council (MMC) banned outdoor exercise for the remainder of the ECQ in the NCR.

The resolution was signed by the 17 NCR mayors and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr.

“It is hereby resolved that the MMC prohibits outdoor exercise in NCR during the ECQ until 20 August 2021 through the local government units of Metro Manila,” the resolution read.

The decision was made after the “steady rise” in the number of Covid-19 cases, including confirmed cases of the highly transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus,s in the region.

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said the Philippines has gone up to high-risk classification as a rise in Covid-19 cases has been observed with a positive two-week growth rate (TWGR) at 47 percent.

In closing this piece, let me ask you readers: Do you believe that the Metro Manila Council made the right decision prohibiting outdoor exercise for the duration of the current ECQ? Are you concerned that the police will abuse their authority once they spot someone exercising outdoors? What do you think about the PNP right now?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa ramps up vaccine rollout, PNP inspects 2,337 PUVs and apprehends 277 violators

August 11, 2021August 10, 2021carlocarrasco

The City Government of Muntinlupa ramps up its vaccine rollout by adding additional vaccination sites across the city while the local PNP implements stricter inspection during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

“Siyam na bagong vaccination sites ang bubuksan sa buong lungsod sa mga susunod na araw. Karagdagan ito sa existing seven sites na kasalukuyan nang operational. Ngayong may karagdagang vaccination sites ay madadagdagan pa ang ating mabibigyang proteksyon kontra COVID-19. Idi-distribute po sa lahat ng sites ang pag-iischedule,” the Muntinlupa City COVID-19 Vaccination Program (MunCoVac) announced on its Facebook page.

In total, there will be 16 vaccination sites in Muntinlupa which can accommodate up to 10,000 residents every day, subject to the availability of COVID-19 vaccines.

The vaccination sites in Muntinlupa are the following: Cluster 1 – Mega Site: SM Center Muntinlupa, Satellite Sites: Tunasan – Victoria Health Center, Tunasan Pavillion (Arandia St.), Tunasan National High School, Centennial Ave. (formerly MNHS Tunasan Annex), and Poblacion – Muntinlupa National High School – Main, Biazon Covered Court, NHA – Southville 3; Cluster 2 – Mega Site: Ayala Malls South Park, Satellite Sites: Putatan – Soldier’s Hills Covered Court, and Bayanan – Bayanan ES Unit 1 (Baywalk); Cluster 3 – Mega Site: Festival Upper Ground Floor Parking; Cluster 4 – Satellite Sites: De La Salle Santiago Zobel School, Alabang Town Center (for A4 non-residents); Cluster 5 – Satellite Site: New Cupang Health Center; Cluster 6 – Satellite Sites: Sucat Covered Court, Buli Elementary School, Colegio de Muntinlupa.

Earlier, MunCoVac announced that walk-ins will not be accommodated in the vaccination sites, except for senior citizens. The City Government urges those who do not have a confirmed vaccination schedule from MunCoVac to refrain from proceeding to the vaccination sites. City residents are encouraged to register online through the city’s COVID-19 vaccination registration system via www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac to receive their schedule.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi encouraged the public to avail the vaccination service of the local government especially during the ECQ for them to have an added protection against the adverse effects of COVID-19.

As of August 6, there are 339,909 vaccines deployed in Muntinlupa, of which 199,236 are first dose (51.7% of the target) and 145,026 are second dose (37.6% of the target).

Further, members of the Muntinlupa City Police Station (MCPS) inspected at least 2,377 public utility vehicles (PUVs) and recorded 277 violations committed by authorized and unauthorized persons outside of residence.

In a report by MCPS chief Col. Melecio Buslig, the PUV inspections and violations were recorded from 5 a.m. of Aug. 8 to 5 a.m. of Aug. 9 at the Muntinlupa-San Pedro, Laguna boundary quarantine control point (QCP), Susana Heights Road QCP, Biazon Road law enforcement checkpoint (LEC), Alabang-Zapote Road LEC and Sucat-Taguig boundary.

As of August 8, Muntinlupa City has 945 active cases, with 14,229 recoveries, 15,569 confirmed cases, 395 reported deaths, 34 suspect cases, and 1,621 probable cases.

+++++

The above information was sourced from the official press release of the Muntinlupa PIO. Some parts were changed for this website.

COVID-19 Crisis: GCash will be used by the Muntinlupa City Government to distribute ayuda to local recipients

August 10, 2021August 9, 2021carlocarrasco

Calling all residents of Muntinlupa City who use GCash! Be aware that it has been reported by the Manila Bulletin that the national government’s financial assistance (AKA ayuda) will be released to qualified recipients through their GCash accounts. Take note that the City Government of Muntinlupa will use the mobile wallet app as a crucial method to send the money to the qualified recipients which should relieve them from having to personally travel to a single venue to physically collect the money. For the newcomers reading this, the national government releases financial assistance to the residents of specific areas or regions that got affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

The Muntinlupa City government announced Monday that it will use the mobile wallet app GCash in the distribution of the national government’s “ayuda” or financial assistance.

“For the expected distribution of ‘ayuda’ for affected Muntinlupa residents under ECQ [enhanced community quarantine], the local government will use GCash. The city government decided to hold an online distribution to ensure the safety of everyone against COVID-19,” according to an announcement by the city government.

It said it will issue additional updates about the online payout and urged the public to make their own GCash accounts.

According to Local Budget Circular No. 138 issued by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Aug. 6, Muntinlupa has been allotted P441.6 million for distribution to affected residents.

The “ayuda” allotment was given to Metro Manila local government units (LGUs) after the region was placed under ECQ from Aug. 6 to 20.

A total of P10.89 billion has been allotted by the national government to 16 cities and one municipality in Metro Manila.

If you are a qualified recipient of the ayuda here in Muntinlupa and you don’t have GCash, then you should download the app as soon as possible. Posted below are the ways to get yourselves moving with GCash. The images below were posted by the City Government through their official Facebook page.

Residents of Muntinlupa City who remain unregistered and unvaccinated should make a move to get registered by learning the ways to do it. Those who are prepared (with personal information available) and willing to go through online registration for the free vaccines in Muntinlupa are encouraged to click https://vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac/

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident who is qualified for the financial assistance, do you think that GCash is the most ideal way to receive the money through the City Government? Do you prefer cash in physical form over digital? What is the one thing you like or dislike the most about GCash?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

COVID-19 Crisis: Online stockbroker predicts PSE index to reach 8,100 level by the end of 2021

August 5, 2021August 3, 2021carlocarrasco

With the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) all set to take effect all over Metro Manila for two weeks starting August 6, a lot of people are disturbed about what lies ahead. For one thing, there is the highly infectious Delta variant spreading nationwide. There is also the potential economic damage and the effects ECQ will have on many workers.

And then there is the local stock exchange. While many investors are constantly looking on different directions and varied factors to decide what to do with their respective investments, the COL Financial Group recently revised its end-of-the-year estimate for the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) but their new prediction still points to a higher count than what the current index shows.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Philippine News Agency (PNA) article. Some parts in boldface…

Online stockbroker COL Financial Group expects the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) to end the year at 8,100, slightly lower than previously projected, supported by optimism for faster economic recovery and earnings growth.

COL chief equity strategist April Lynn Tan said their forecast for PSEi has been reduced from 8,300 considering the lower earnings incurred by property companies as their mall operations are affected most by the implementation of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

The National Capital Region (NCR) will be placed under the most restrictive ECQ from Aug. 6 to 20 to prevent the spread of the more infectious Delta coronavirus variant.

This, after the one implemented from May 17 to April 13, 2021 to stem the country’s coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) surge.

“We cut our earnings forecast and fair value estimates for the property companies given that they are part of a lot of the big holding companies that also dragged our fair value estimates. (But) an 8,100 target is still significantly higher from where we are today. That is why, we keep on saying that the negatives are priced in,” Tan said in a virtual press briefing Monday.

She said companies are “coping well” with the pandemic, adding that almost all sectors, except the property sector, reported higher year-on-year earnings.

“The reason why companies were able to deliver higher profits in the first quarter of this year compared to last year even though we are still in the pandemic is because they have adapted to the pandemic scenario by cutting cost and of course they also benefited from the lower tax rate, thanks to the CREATE (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives) law,” Tan said.

President Rodrigo Duterte last March 26 signed into law the CREATE Act reducing the corporate income tax rate by 5 to 10 percent for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and other corporations.

Moreover, Tan said they remain bullish of the stock market on the back of efficient vaccination efforts and inflation reaching its peak.

Predicting the future is very unpredictable no matter what category gets discussed. Remember when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) predicted a brighter post-Olympics future for the city of Rio de Janeiro in relation to hosting the 2016 Summer Olympic Games? What happened after Rio Olympics were lots of unfulfilled promises, deteriorating facilities and a lot of embarrassment.

Going back to Philippine stocks, the COL Financial Group showed lots of details in their explanations of their 8,100 index end-of-2021 prediction. They were right to point to the CREATE Law which itself was a factor in the spike of foreign direct investments (FDI) in the country last April. The CREATE Law effectively reduced the corporate income tax rates for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). From this point on, it is interesting to see how the CREATE Law will impact the national economy and the local stock exchange in the months to come.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are an investor, what can you say about COL Financial Group’s end-of-the-year prediction for the Philippine Stock Exchange? Are you confident that the economic stakeholders, the businesses and investors will emerge stronger starting with the end of the next ECQ period until the end of the year? Is the CREATE Law positively impacting your business and/or investments?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Muntinlupa PNP installs border controls ahead ECQ, urges public to avoid non-essential travel

August 4, 2021August 3, 2021carlocarrasco

Members of the Muntinlupa City Police Station have installed border controls in strategic areas in the city ahead of the imposition of the Enhanced Community Quarantine on August 6 and advised the public to avoid non-essential travels.

Muntinlupa Chief-of-Police (COP) PCol. Melencio Maddatu Buslig said that only Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APOR) will be allowed to pass through the checkpoints while un-authorized person outside of residence (UPOR) will be asked to return to their homes.

Border quarantine control points are located at San Pedro-Tunasan Boundary, Susana Heights Exit, Sucat-Taguig Boundary, and Biazon Road – Alabang Boundary.

PCol Buslig noted that police officers inspect minimum health protocols such as wearing of face masks and face shield and observance of physical distancing for those passing the checkpoints, especially in public utility vehicles such as jeepneys, buses, and tricycles.

Essential workers residing in the province who work, or pass through, in Muntinlupa City may be allowed to pass the checkpoints provided that they present a Company ID or any document justifying that they are included in the APOR list. The local COP warned the public that starting August 6, the beginning of ECQ in Metro Manila, the local police will implement stricter inspection in border controls.

Earlier, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año directed the JTF COVID Shield to activate Quarantine Control Points along the borders of NCR Plus in Cavite, Bulacan, Laguna, and Rizal in compliance with IATF Resolution No. 130-A.

Año reminded the PNP to allow the free movement of cargo/delivery vehicles, especially those bringing food across all quarantine control points because these are important to the economy.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi urges the public to continue observing health protocols such as frequent hand-washing, wearing of face masks and face shields, and physical distancing, especially with the rising COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant.

The mayor encourages city residents to avail the vaccination service of the City Government for them to have an added protection against the adverse effects of COVID-19. Muntinlupa City residents may register in the city’s COVID-19 vaccination registration through www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac

The City Government awaits the final guidelines from the IATF on the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Metro Manila from August 6 to August 20.

+++++

The above information was sourced from the official press release of the Muntinlupa PIO. Some parts were changed for this website.

COVID-19 Crisis: 6.5 million vaccine doses for NCR and certain provinces confirmed

August 3, 2021August 2, 2021carlocarrasco

By now, most people should be aware that Metro Manila will effectively shift back to the stricter enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from August 6 to August 20, 2021. Already it has been confirmed that even during the upcoming ECQ, COVID-19 vaccination operations per city in the National Capital Region (NCR) will continue as planned. In relation to that, the national government confirmed that it will supply 4 million doses of vaccines for Metro Manila plus 2.5 million for certain provinces, according to a report published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…

The national government will deliver 6.5 million doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) jabs to local government units in the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus to intensify mass vaccination.

National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 deputy chief Secretary Vince Dizon said NCR mayors asked for more supplies during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from August 6 to 20.

“Plus” provinces Rizal, Laguna Cavite, and Bulacan will also be supplied an additional 2.5 million doses.

“Humingi ang NCR ng four million doses. ‘Yan ay ibibigay na ng national government. Ipinangako na ni (NTF chief) Sec. (Carlito) Galvez ang four million doses ng ibat-ibang bakuna nitong mga susunod na linggo. Magbibigay din ng 2.5 million sa ibat ibang probinsya sa Plus (NCR asked for four million doses. That will be given by the national government. Sec. Galvez promised four million doses of different vaccines for NCR these coming weeks. Also, 2.5 million for those in the Plus areas),” Dizon said in an interview on Saturday during the launch of the Covid-19 drive-thru vaccination site in Manila at the Quirino Grandstand.

He said NCR mayors committed to finishing administering all four million doses, a combination of first and second doses, while under ECQ.

Dizon said the NCR accounts for 30 percent of the over eight million who are fully inoculated.

As you can see in the above details, the mayors of Metro Manila requested the additional 4 million vaccine doses which in reality is one of the two conditions they made in relation to supporting the return to ECQ according to a report from the Philippine Daily Inquirer. To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the said report. Pay close attention to the details below…

At a press briefing on Thursday, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chief Benhur Abalos said the mayors had an emergency meeting on Wednesday to come up with a game plan against the highly infectious Delta variant.

“We will not wait for hospitals to get filled. Our suggestion is to have more heightened restrictions,” Abalos said.

But under Metro Manila Council Resolution No. 21-15 series of 2021, the mayors listed two conditions that needed to be met before placing Metro Manila under ECQ again: the availability of financial assistance for the poor and an additional supply of vaccines for an aggressive inoculation program.

Abalos said the mayors agreed that an ECQ could not be implemented without financially helping the families that would once again lose income for two weeks.

They also wanted an allocation of at least 4 million vaccines for the NCR that they committed to administer during the two-week period.

As of this writing, the Delta variant has been detected not only in Metro Manila but also in other parts of the country. That variant is much more contagious and could lead to even more new COVID-19 infections. In the City of Bacoor in Cavite Province, two entire buildings of a housing project had to be locked down temporarily due to the detection of a new Delta variant case there. Meanwhile, the Province of Laguna has been placed under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) status because of the threat of the Delta variant.

For people to survive and be protected, getting vaccinated is crucial (note: the unvaccinated are at risk) and looking up to the Lord and being faithful to Him is essential. For your faith in the Lord and for His divine protection, go read the entire Psalm 91 in the Holy Bible and pray in tongues to Him.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you believe the national authorities and the local government units (LGUs) are doing enough to get more people here in the Philippines vaccinated? Are there still people in your local community who continue to be defiant and completely avoid getting vaccinated? Do you think that the LGUs of Metro Manila ran out of money which made them come to the national government for new supplies of vaccines for their respective constituents? Is your local government doing enough to contain the Delta variant?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

COVID-19 Crisis: Delta variant cases in Parañaque and Las Piñas reported

July 30, 2021July 29, 2021carlocarrasco

According to a recent news report by the Manila Bulletin, the highly infectious Delta variant has been detected in Metro Manila totaling twenty-five cases while the nation as a whole has over one hundred so far. Focusing on South Metro Manila, the cities of Parañaque and Las Piñas have one Delta variant case each. The City of Muntinlupa so far has none and the Manila Bulletin’s report reflects the Muntinlupa City Health Office’s statement.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

Twenty-five out of the 72 local cases of the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus were found in Metro Manila, an official of the Department of Health (DOH) said.

Of the said cases, 10 were found in the City of Manila, seven in Pasig City, two cases in San Juan, while one case each for Las Pinas, Makati, Malabon, Quezon City, Taguig, and Paranaque, said DOH-National Capital Region (NCR) Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit head Dr. Manuel Mapue II during a televised press briefing on Tuesday, July 28.

“Dito sa dalawampu’t lima na ito, walo na ang gumaling, isa ang namatay; at kasalukuyan, labing-anim ang active ang kanilang sakit (Of these 25, eight have already recovered, one has died; and currently, sixteen cases are still active),” said Mapue.

To note, the Philippines already detected 119 Delta variant cases, 72 of which were considered local cases while 47 were returning overseas Filipinos.

COVID-19 surge in NCR?

Meanwhile, there is still no definitive evidence to say that Metro Manila is currently experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases amid the threat of the Delta variant, said Mapue.

“Batay doon sa aming tala hanggang kahapon, hindi natin na matatawag pa na surge sa ngayon. Wala tayong ebidensya pa na tawagin ito na surge, although nakikita natin na nag-uumpisa ng tumaas ang mga kaso (Based on our record until yesterday, we cannot call it a surge yet. We have no evidence yet to call it a surge, although we see that the cases are starting to rise),” he said.

“Karamihan sa ating local government units nag-uumpisa na ring tumaas although hindi pa stable ang pagtaas. May araw na mababa. Merong araw na konti lang ang nadadagdag sa kaso nila (Most of the cases in our local government units are starting to increase, although the rise is not yet stable. There are days that are low. There are days when very little is added to their respective caseload,” he added.

Mapue said that there is an uptick in COVID-19 cases in Las Pinas, Makati, Pasay, and San Juan.

To call it a surge, the DOH official said that the daily cases should have a “steady” increase.

Mapue urged the different LGUs to intensify their responses against COVID-19, particularly on the prevent, detect, isolate, treat, and reintegrate (PDITR) strategy to curb the rising number of cases.

It should be noted that in recent times, the City Government of Las Piñas made its move with the Delta variant in mind. Within the city, Barangay Talon Dos posted on July 24 via its Facebook page its confirmation that the Delta variant has been detected. The following is an excerpt from their July 24, 2021 Facebook post: Covid cases are high and the highly contagious DELTA VARIANT has entered Talon Dos. For the meantime, vaccinated or not, avoid going out unless necessary. If you experience headache, cold, cough, fever, nausea, LBM, loss of smell or appetite, fatigue please stay at home, isolate, and call your physician.

Considering how infectious the Delta variant is, that alone should compel any unregistered and unvaccinated Las Piñas City resident (or any resident from other cities and towns) to make the move to register themselves and join the line for vaccination once called by the local vaccination organizer.

Any Las Piñas resident who has yet to get registered for free COVID-19 vaccines can learn the ways (4 methods) by clicking here. Anyone who is ready and willing to register online can click bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the latest news? Do you believe that the slow spread of the Delta variant in Metro Manila will lead to another lockdown? Do you think that the local authorities of Parañaque and Las Piñas are capable of preventing the spread of the Delta variant among their residents?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

COVID-19 Crisis: Strict GCQ declared for NCR and bordering provinces effective August 1 until August 15, 2021

July 30, 2021July 29, 2021carlocarrasco

Even as more people in Metro Manila have gotten worried about the highly infectious Delta variant which has been detected already in Parañaque and Las Piñas, the general community quarantine (GCQ) for the National Capital Region (NCR) and bordering provinces has been declared which will take effect on August 1, 2021 and will last until August 15, 2021, as reported by the Philippine New Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte approved the recommendation to extend the general community quarantine (GCQ) “with heightened restrictions in Metro Manila until August 15, Malacañang announced on Wednesday.

The stricter GCQ has been retained in Metro Manila, after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) observed an increase in the daily attack rate, two-week average attack rate, and health care utilization rate in the country’s metropolis, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a pre-recorded Talk to the People.

“The Chief Executive extended the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions classification of the National Capital Region beginning August 1, 2021 until August 15, 2021,” Roque said in a press statement.

Apart from Metro Manila, four of its nearby provinces – Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal – will also be placed under GCQ with heightened restrictions from August 1 to 15, Roque said.

And here is a related news video by GMA Network…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you surprised about the strict GCQ for Metro Manila and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal? Do you believe that the highly infectious Delta variant can be contained? Are you ready for another lockdown? Have you been vaccinated already?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

COVID-19 Crisis: GCQ in NCR and 4 provinces stricter until July 31

July 26, 2021July 25, 2021carlocarrasco

You must have heard the news this past weekend. In case you missed the news, the general community quarantine (GCQ) status in the National Capital Region (NCR) plus four provinces has gotten stricter since July 23 and this new adjustment will last until the end of this month. At the same time, children are to keep staying indoors. The national authorities confirmed it.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Philippine News Agency (PNA) article. Some parts in boldface…

The quarantine status in Metro Manila and four other provinces has been upgraded to stricter general community quarantine (GCQ) “with heightened restrictions,” Malacañang announced on Friday.

This, after President Rodrigo Duterte approved the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases’ (IATF-EID) recommendation to place Metro Manila, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte under a more restrictive GCQ from July 23 to 31.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, also acting as IATF-EID spokesperson, said Metro Manila must follow the health and quarantine protocols for areas under GCQ “with heightened restrictions.

“The same IATF rules would be observed when NCR was previously under GCQ with heightened restrictions,” Roque said in a press statement.

Metro Manila, which was placed under GCQ “with some restrictions” from July 1 to 15, was initially put under regular GCQ from July 16 to 31.

On the other hand, Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte were originally under a more restrictive modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), while Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur were supposed to be under modified GCQ (MGCQ) until the end of July.

Duterte, meantime, agreed to downgrade the quarantine classification in Davao del Sur to GCQ from MECQ, Roque said.

“Davao del Sur, which is previously MECQ, is placed under GCQ starting July 23, 2021 until July 31, 2021,” he said.

No outdoor activities for kids

Now that Metro Manila, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte are under GCQ “with heightened restrictions,” children aged five and above can no longer stay outdoors, Roque said.

“As these areas will be placed under GCQ with heightened restrictions, children five years old and above will not be allowed to go to outdoor areas, as provided for under IATF Resolution No. 125,” he said.

Under IATF-EID Resolution 125 issued on July 8, children as young as five years old can go outdoors despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, so long as they are residing in areas placed under GCQ and MGCQ.

Children can only go to outdoor spaces like parks, playgrounds, beaches, biking, and hiking trails, outdoor tourist sites, and attractions as may be defined by the Department of Tourism, including on outdoor non-contact sports courts and venues, and al-fresco dining establishments, according to the resolution.

Apart from the stricter GCQ, there is also an adjustment on the Metro Manila curfew hours which has taken effect already. The new curfew hours are now 10PM to 4AM.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this news? Do you believe that the spreading Delta variant here in the Philippines is a factor behind the move to a stricter GCQ?

If you are a parent, what do you think about the national authorities’ decision to keep children indoors?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

	jeffreywsmith 🍉 🇨🇦 🌻 on A Look Back at Wolverine #50…
	#LGBTQ on A Look Back at Wolverine #50…
	Humanities Channel on A Look Back at Wolverine #50…
	LGBTQ+ Channel on A Look Back at Wolverine #50…
	Social Media Channel on A Look Back at Wolverine #50…

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: