iskup2015 posted: " 15 Hulyo 2021, Huwebes In the news... Quarantine classifications revised PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESMAN HERMINIO ROQUE JR. "We are looking at the daily attack rate for the entire Metropolitan Manila as a geographical unit," presidential spo"
"We are looking at the daily attack rate for the entire Metropolitan Manila as a geographical unit," presidential spokesman Harry Roque said government's pandemic task force has decided on updated quarantine classifications of areas, but local executives have been given time to appeal their groupings.
The classification of areas placed under general community quarantine "with some restrictions," GCQ "with heightened restrictions" and stricter modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) last July 1 will lapse today.
"There is a decision already, but LGUs local government units were given until today to appeal.
So I am not at liberty to announce the final quarantine classification because Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) needs to meet to discuss the pending appeals," Roque said at a press briefing.
Metro Manila, country's economic center, and the provinces of Rizal and Bulacan were categorized as GCQ with some restrictions while Laguna and Cavite were placed under GCQ with heightened restrictions.
Roque said COVID-19 attack and health care utilization rates would be studied to determine classification of Metro Manila and other areas.
Department of Health (DOH) data showed average daily reported cases in Metro Manila hit 660 from July 4 to 10, slightly higher than 650 recorded from June 27 to July 3 and 648 posted from June 20 to 26 but lower than 750 recorded from June 13 to 19. This means that the case trend in Metro Manila is plateauing after slow decline in the past weeks, DOH said.
As of July 13, 43 percent of intensive care units (ICU), 37 percent of isolation beds, 32 percent of ward beds and 33 percent of ventilators in Metro Manila are in use.
Last week, health department reported that seven Metro Manila cities – Makati, San Juan, Muntinlupa, Mandaluyong, Manila, Malabon and Navotas – recorded positive two-week growth rates of COVID-19 cases from June 27 to July 10.
Experts have recommended placing Metro Manila and other high-risk provinces under GCQ until the end of the year to manage risks posed by highly infectious COVID-19 variants.
Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed support for the government's decision to allow children aged five and above to go outdoors in areas under GCQ and modified GCQ.
CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia noted the mental toll and behavioral changes observed in children due to quarantine restrictions affected their right to leisure, play and recreational activities, which are crucial in their development and well-being.
"Allowing young people to safely go outdoors will enable social interaction instead of just being glued to their digital devices…outdoor activities will also revive their physical and mental vitality by being more engaged in the cultural and social life, more importantly, the outdoor ambiance, opportunity to access diverse recreational and leisure activities and quality social engagement, can help maintain their well-being and mental health" she said.
With face-to-face classes still not allowed, she said outdoor activities can also help provide balance to children's confined remote learning routine.
Allowing children outside, she added, is also expected to help revive businesses and tourist attractions, particularly those that cater to family and children.
De Guia, maintained that children remain at risk of being infected and can become carriers, stressing the need for health protocols to be followed at all times.
"We equally expect that all health protocols and mechanisms are being observed to ensure the utmost safety and protection of children…primarily, limit in capacity of establishments must be strictly implemented," for the CHR official "it is important for parents and all adults concerned to remain vigilant and act responsibly towards protecting children's health while allowing them to enjoy their rights."
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