MANILA - Areas that have loosened quarantine measures may again be placed under an enhanced community quarantine if novel coronavirus cases rise, the Department of Health said Monday.

In order to avoid the rise of COVID-19 cases in an area, individuals, households and local government units must implement physical distancing, wearing of face mask, handwashing and proper cough etiquette, according to DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.

"Kailangan maipatupad ang measures na ito. Kung hindi, babalik ang kaso sa kanilang lugar," she told Umagang Kay Ganda.

(These measures should be implemented or cases will rise in the area.)

"Maaari pong mangyari 'yan. Ang ating magiging basehan ay 'yung case doubling time atsaka 'yung critical care utilization rate o 'yung kapasidad ng health system sa isang lugar," she said when asked if areas under general community quarantine may be placed under a tighter isolation measure.

(It can happen. We will base it on the virus' case doubling time and the area's healthcare system capacity.)

The Luzon-wide lockdown was lifted on April 30, with the measure extended in Metro Manila and other areas until May 15.

• PH revises coverage of enhanced community quarantine until May 15
• Bacolod City, Iloilo City to remain under enhanced community quarantine until May 15

As of Sunday, the Philippines has recorded 9,223 cases of COVID-19, with 1,214 recoveries and 607 deaths.

• Philippines reports 295 new COVID-19 cases; total now at 9,223