NCR high-risk area no more
The National Capital Region is now classified as a moderate-risk area for COVID-19 infections, the OCTA Research Group said Tuesday.
From being a high-risk area that led to the reimposition of Enhanced Community Quarantine in March, Metro Manila’s reproduction rate has gone down to 0.57 while its positivity rate is now at 10 percent.
NCR, which is now under General Community Quarantine with heightened restrictions, logged a lower seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases at 1,100 per day.
“NCR is now a moderate-risk area. The top 10 cities in terms of number of cases include five from NCR and five from outside the NCR Plus bubble—Davao City, Puerto Princesa City, Iloilo City, Bacolod City and Cagayan de Oro City,” OCTA fellow Guido David said in an interview with CNN Philippines.
“The indication is good and we expect easing of restrictions, but we don’t recommend easing of all restrictions all at once,” he added.
DOT: Reduce quarantine days
The Department of Tourism is pushing for a shortened quarantine period for returning Filipinos who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Tourism Sec. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in Thailand, quarantine for fully-vaccinated travelers has been reduced to only 17 days.
Overseas Filipino workers and balikbayans are currently required to stay in quarantine facilities for 10 days, with the swab test scheduled on the 7th day of arrival.
“We’re still proposing to shorten the quarantine days to encourage them to come home,” Romulo-Puyat said.
The DOT will meet with the Department of Health, Department of Foreign Affairs, and other government agencies, including the health experts, today (Wednesday) to discuss the proposed shortened quarantine period.
Puyat said the verification system for proof of travelers’ vaccination will be included in the discussion.
PH Virology Institute to rise in Tarlac
The Department of Science and Technology said discussion has begun on the plan to construct a building for the Virology Institute of the Philippines in Tarlac in the next 2 years.
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority has allotted five hectares of land for the institute site.
The VIP facility will be equipped with biosafety laboratories with “the maximum containment level,” DOST Undersecretary Rowena Guevarra said.
