As we mentioned, we watch closely the daily reports on cases of the COVID-19 Delta variant. We study the data and hear advice from our health experts, balancing it with the economy and livelihood.

In yesterday’s meeting, unfortunately, the numbers presented showed increasing Delta variant cases, especially in some cities in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Some cities in NCR reported cases almost doubled in one day.

We shall continue to monitor closely these cases and their trajectory in the next seven days, which is also to give time for the people and small businesses to adjust before the scheduled two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to start on 6 August 2021.

We bear in mind the need to balance the economy and livelihood.

Although the economy and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) cannot bear another lockdown, the ECQ may be inevitable so as to remove any possibility of an uncontrollable surge like what happened in other countries that claimed thousands of lives.

What is important is that even in the ECQ, we should allow the dominant portion of the production sector in the agri-industry services to continue to operate so we can sustain jobs and income.

We assure the public of adequate supply of goods in supermarkets and groceries because agriculture and manufacturing activities shall continue.

We thus encourage everyone to remain vigilant and work together with your Government in preventing the further spread of COVID-19, especially the Delta variant. ♦

Date of Release: 30 July 2021