Philippines eyes reduction of COVID-19 cases by 25% per day after 'NCR Plus' bubble

The Philippines is eyeing to reduce the number of new COVID-19 cases recorded per day by 25% after the implementation of movement restrictions within the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus “bubble” ends on April 4, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Monday.

“Our target is minimum [of] 25%, but we are hoping for more,” Roque said during a Palace briefing.

“It is a realistic goal for two weeks, and we hope to sustain it afterwards. We are aiming for more,” Roque added. 

The NCR Plus bubble—which prevents those residing in NCR and adjacent provinces Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal from going beyond the borders of the said bubble amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases unless it is for essential travel—will be in effect from March 22 to April 4. 

An essential travel will include going to the workplace. 

Roque added that while people are not barred from leaving their homes inside the bubble, they hope that people will stay home if they don't need to go out.

“Kasi ang nais natin is mas malaki pa sa 25% po ang mabawas sa mga kaso. Kasi at 7,999 eh 25% eh malaki-laki pa rin iyan ano kung we become successful,” Roque argued.

(What we want is to exceed the 25%. At 7,999 cases per day, 25% of that is already  significant number until we become successful).

“We really expect this to be effective. As it is, until our national vaccination program is done, the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to be around. That is why we are seeking the public’s cooperation, given that the new variants of the coronavirus are more transmissible,” Roque added.

The Philippines has 80,970 active COVID-19 cases as of Monday, with total confirmed cases at 671,792.

Likewise, the country has registered over 7,000 new COVID-19 cases per day from March 19 to 21 and  posted a record-high 8,109 new COVID-19 cases on March 22. —KG/BM, GMA News