Gov't looking for data indicating eased NCR restrictions won't spark second wave of COVID-19 infections -Palace

The Philippine government is looking for data to indicate that relaxing further the restrictions in Metro Manila will not result in a second wave of COVID-19 infections, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Wednesday.

"We're still looking for some kind of data that would indicate that Metro Manila, if we give it more liberty, so to speak, under MGCQ (modified general community quarantine), will not spark a second wave," Roque told ANC.

He said the Philippines "cannot afford" a second wave of infections.

"That's why Metro Manilans will really have to go out of their way to observe social distancing, wearing of mask, and keeping healthy," Roque said.

The official said Metro Manila and Cebu City, which he said show a similar trend in their COVID-19 cases, will "take quite some time" in government officials' discussion on the fate of community quarantines in the country after June 15.

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases will meet Wednesday afternoon to discuss whether to further ease restrictions or reimpose lifted quarantine measures starting June 16.

Roque earlier said the IATF's decision will be based on data on the doubling time of cases and critical care capacity.

The official also said there is an IATF resolution authorizing city mayors to lockdown barangays, subdivisions, or buildings in case COVID-19 cases are recorded there.  --KBK, GMA News