Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles announced that the IATF has directed a technical working group (TWG) headed by the Department of Health (DOH) to finalize the parameters that will guide recommendations on the lifting or extension of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon while stressing in a media briefing on Tuesday that there is no truth to rumors circulating that the ECQ will be extended for 60 days.
Nograles revealed that per IATF Resolution No. 17, “the IATF Technical Working Group (TWG) to be led by the DOH is directed to convene and finalize the parameters for deciding on the eventual total or partial lifting of the ECQ in Luzon, the possible extension of its duration, or its expansion to other areas outside the contained area, subject to the approval, amendment or modification by the IATF.”
“The DOH will still study if there is a need to extend this quarantine or not.”
The Palace official reiterated that the IATF has yet to decide on whether to extend the ECQ or not, and dismissing as “fake news” rumors that the government will extend the quarantine for 60 days.
“Uulitin po namin: hindi po totoo ang kumakalat na fake news na ie-extend ang ECQ ng 60 days,” said the Palace official.
(We repeat. There is fake news being circulated that the ECQ will be extended by 60 days. It is not true.)
According to Nograles: “Aaralin pa po ng DOH kung kailangan pong i-extend ito o hindi. Sa usapin na ito, science is in charge. Sana po malinaw ito sa ating lahat.”
(The DOH will still study if there is a need to extend this quarantine or not. Where this discussion is concerned, science is in charge. We hope that is clear to everyone.)
Nograles reminded the public to continue cooperating with the ECQ and to practice stringent social distancing in order to help the government contain the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic.
“There are many ways we can help one another as we work to overcome this crisis together––but it all begins with staying at home and taking all the necessary precautions to avoid spreading the virus,” stressed Nograles.
“Bahay muna, buhay muna. Iwasan po natin mahawa, at gawin po natin lahat para hindi mahawa ang iba. Together, we can beat COVID-19; together, we heal as one.”