The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases is assessing the possibility of creating a Visayas-based operations center of the National Task Force (NTF), as Cebu City and the entire Central Visayas region continue to see a rise in coronavirus cases.
A Visayas Deputy Implementer for Region VII and the entire Visayas could also be hired.
Palace spokesman Harry Roque on Saturday announced that the NTF was tasked by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, through its Resolution No. 47 approved yesterday, to “evaluate ground-level response” of Cebu City local government units from June 22 to 28.
The evaluation would be done to “orchestrate a more calibrated response” in the region.
The IATF also ordered the establishment of out-patient services in existing treatment and monitoring facilities in Cebu City, as the task force saw low utilization of said facilities and a growing number of individuals self-isolating at home.
Resolution No. 47 also directed for the “harmonization” of regional and national Covid-19 data among the Department of Health, Department of the Interior and Local Government and the NTF.
IATF also required minimum health standards to be strictly enforced, and instructed for better assistance and management of locally stranded individuals.
Cebu City was placed back on enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until June 30, as the doubling time of Covid-19 cases in the city was lower than seven days.
Talisay City, a Cebu component city, was placed under modified ECQ.
As of June 20, Cebu island has 5,632 Covid-19 cases with 2,488 recoveries and 148 deaths. (John Ezekiel Hirro)