The Philippines brushed past the one million-mark in confirmed COVID-19 cases Monday, but an extension of the current lockdown in Metro Manila and surrounding areas has yet to be decided.
Duque Points Out Overwhelmed Health System
In an interview with local radio network DZMM, health secretary Francisco Duque III said the lockdown should be extended by one or two more weeks as the "health system's capacity hasn't improved much."
There has been a slight dip in daily new coronavirus cases in the country. However, Duque said the shortage situation in some intensive care units in several cities remains critical.
Officials under the economy department have been warning that another prolonged lockdown would delay the Philippines' economic recovery and would result in more job losses.
On the other hand, health experts said a crumbling health system due to inadequate ICU beds and equipment could further overwhelm hospitals and fatigued workers.
Interior Secretary Backs Extension
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año also expressed support for the recommendation that the lockdown in Metro Manila and four neighboring provinces be extended.
Año said extending the current lockdown will keep up the "good trend" of decreasing daily confirmed COVID-19 cases in hard-hit areas.
The comments came after the OCTA Research group, which monitors coronavirus trends in the Philippines, recommended a lockdown extension of one week.
According to OCTA the numbers could increase and potentially trigger COVID-19 spreading in nearby areas if the government moves with a "premature return" to easing restrictions.
Metro Manila Mayors Push for 'Flexible' Lockdown
Mayors across Metro Manila have agreed to recommend a "flexible" lockdown in affected areas, chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Benhur Abalos, said on Wednesday.
Metro Manila is currently under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) wherein authorities are required to implement health protocols and many business activities either shut down or provide limited services.
Abalos said that in a flexible MECQ setting, border controls will still be implemented, and health protocols will still be followed but several aspects of the economy will be reopened, including construction.
Curfew hours will also be shortened under the flexible MECQ setup. The mayors have sent in their recommendation to the Philippines' Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).
Sputnik Delivery Reportedly Delayed
Meanwhile, the Philippines is yet in another bind following slow distribution and delivery of coronavirus vaccines earlier this year.
Airline sources reportedly revealed on Wednesday that the scheduled arrival of 15,000 Sputnik V doses was canceled. The vaccines' arrival has reportedly been re-scheduled for Saturday.
As of last week, the country has administered around 1.7 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines. It is the second hardest-hit country in Southeast Asia, only second to Indonesia.
The Philippines has logged a total of just over one million confirmed coronavirus cases and nearly 17,000 deaths linked to the disease as of Tuesday.
