IATF ‘impressed’ with CCQC

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella is confident the city will not revert to enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) or modified ECQ despite the increasing number of COVID-19 cases after the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) chief implementer, Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., was reportedly impressed with the city’s quarantine facility at the North Reclamation Area.

Labella said Galvez lauded the city government for having Cebu City Quarantine Center that is equipped with negative pressure and other equipment.

"They said that even Manila does not have that kind of facility," Labella said.

Galvez inspected the CCQC and other COVID-19 facilities in the city yesterday.

Labella said Galvez promised to make a report about the kind of facility that Cebu City have. The CCQC is a level two facility where COVID-19 patients having mild to moderate symptoms are being treated. At present the facility has 50 patients.

With Galvez’ positive impression about the city’s response, Labella is confident that the city will remain under GCQ after June 15.

"Although, I do not want and I do not wish that we will be placed under modified general (community quarantine) MGCQ. Because if we will be under modified general, there will be less restrictions and it would be very difficult to monitor," Labella said.

"I would rather that we continue the general (community quarantine)," he added.

 Labella explained that while COVID-19 cases are increasing, recoveries are also growing while mortality remains low.

As of yesterday, June 12, the city has a total of 3,361 cases, 1,841 recoveries, and 36 deaths.

"If you base it, on the mortality rate and the recovery rate we are much much better than many other local government units," said Labella.

Labella said the big number of positive cases found is due to the massive testing as well as contact tracing.

"The other factor is because of the backlog of the Department of Health. That was contributory," he said.

Labella appealed to the public to follow his standing orders such as the mandatory wearing of face masks in public places, stay at home order, and observing social distancing, among others.

He also stressed the importance of self-discipline in the fight against the virus.  FPL (FREEMAN)