Thread by @cnnphilippines

THREAD: @iampinkywebb speaks to Presidential Spokesperson @attyharryroque on #TheSource

• 12,000 cases a day expected in the coming weeks, OCTA Research says
• More healthcare workers to be sent to Metro Manila
• Can gov't still afford more cash aid for those affected by ECQ?

What were the factors that led to an ECQ extension in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal?

Roque: Attack rates and healthcare capacity are at critical levels bit.ly/3cNRDUJ

The NCR Plus bubble could return to a more relaxed MECQ if PDITR strategy works, Roque says.

PDITR stands for Prevent, Detect, Isolate, Treat, and Reintegrate. bit.ly/3mjpGY2

Roque: We're looking to reduce to 4,000 daily COVID-19 cases if ECQ is effective

Roque: The PDITR strategy involves visiting residents in their homes to check who has symptoms, and testing as well as isolating them

Roque: 500,000 antigen kits approved to complement our RT-PCR tests

Roque: Today we're opening 110 ICU COVID-19 beds in Quezon Institute

Roque: We're also relying on telemedicine knowing there's not enough space for mild COVID-19 cases in hospitals right now

Roque advises the public: Before going to a hospital, call the One Hospital Command Center hotline so that they can tell you where to go. Going from hospital to hospital will not be good for the patient.

Roque: We will make arrangements again with telecom providers to increase the number of lines at the One Hospital Command Center

RELATED: Families of some COVID-19 patients say they were not able to make it inside health facilities even hours after waiting in line to be accommodated bit.ly/2PRsIH0

RELATED: Treatment czar Leopoldo Vega enumerates the issues bogging down the One Hospital Command's ability to facilitate hospital referrals to COVID-19 patients in Metro Manila and nearby regions bit.ly/2PTI1PA

Roque: An appeal has been made to RITM to validate the saliva RT-PCR test.

He adds it's cheaper than the regular RT-PCR swab test.

Roque says hospital tent costs should be covered by PhilHealth: It should be covered because they're temporary waiting facilities prior to admission and patients are already under hospital care

RELATED: PhilHealth chief says packages currently cover RT-PCR tests, isolation in accredited community isolation units, and hospitalization for mild to critical cases of COVID-19 bit.ly/3sQUvGa

Roque: Under existing budget, we don't have further source for more aid.

He adds current budget for aid is ₱23 billion.

Roque: We're now dealing with a virus that's different from the virus we saw last March

Roque on Chinese vessels at Julian Felipe Reef: This is not an issue that will lead to war between friendly nations