Thread by @mikenavallo

Is Metro Manila prepared to deal with the #COVID19 Delta variant? #ANCRundown spoke to MMDA Chair Benhur Abalos Friday morning. He enumerated plans and existing steps taken. He also explained why Metro Manila mayors think children should again not be allowed outdoors.

What steps will be taken to address Delta variant? Abalos says testing czar Vince Dizon will give Metro Manila mayors minimum of 20,000 testing kits. Granular lockdowns may be imposed. Contact tracing and immediate isolation in 83 centers; no home quarantine.

During the interview, MMDA Chair Abalos accidentally mentioned new quarantine classifications will be announced by Presidential spox Harry Roque later that day.

Roque eventually announced Metro Manila will be under GCQ with heightened restrictions.
#ANCRundown

Abalos said Metro Manila mayors recommended stricter restrictions though he refused to specify which quarantine classification. He disclosed mayors only became aware about the local transmission of the Delta variant during the IATF meeting. He said the health team won.
#Rundown

Abalos warns the Delta variant could spread 3x faster than South African and UK variants (which spread in a matter of 1-2 weeks). Says majority of those in hospitals are senior citizens and those with comorbidities, who should be prioritized for one-shot J&J vaccines.
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Abalos says target for achieving population protection in Metro Manila (50% fully vaccinated/2 doses) is September 30.

So far, 6.8M jabs done out of target of 14M jabs in Metro Manila. Priority are senior citizens.
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Abalos says there are still sufficient hospital beds in Metro Manila. However, a well-known hospital might have a higher bed utilization rate.

Rains causing a "little problem" in some areas like Manila due to flooding of vaccination sites.
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Abalos said no discussion in IATF meeting on expanding genome sequencing capacity to detect Delta variant (750 samples/week) since DOH is on it.
No discussions also on efficacy of Sinovac since most Filipinos can't even get 1st dose; 3rd dose unthinkable for now.
#ANCRundown

WATCH full interview with MMDA Chair Benhur Abalos here:

#ANCRundown Mondays to Friday 7-8am