To balance the country’s economic and public health interests, several senators believe a modified enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) should be enforced once the Luzon-wide lockdown has been lifted.
“My suggestion is a modified ECQ, that is still compliant with social distancing, para mai-balanse ang isyu ng pampublikong kalusugan sa epekto sa ekonimiya ng bansa,” Senator Panfilo Lacson said in a message to reporters on Monday.
“While we value the primacy of life and public health, it cannot be denied that the country’s economy should not be ignored,” he added.
Lacson said the Department of Health (DOH) should “accelerate massive rapid testing” in order to cover a “considerable number among our population, thus getting a more accurate infection rate.”
To do this, the senator said the DOH could deputize private health practitioners and health workers “under the auspices of a public-private collaboration wherein the business sector can help by subsidizing or spending for the deployment of those health personnel.”
“As it is, DOH is doing a too controlled and centralized and testing which they can’t undertake on a massive scale anyway for reasons known only to them,” Lacson said.
He also proposed that a risk assessment and action plan be conducted to produce a “clearer picture of the impact of an extended lockdown moving forward to a post-April 30 scenario or even after.”
Lacson cited data from the UP School of Economics, which showed that 70 percent of the country’s workforce are in the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which accounts for at least 30 percent of the economy.
The senator noted that in Metro Manila alone, at least 250,000 people from that sector are suffering from lost income.
“Government may consider covering the revenue losses of MSME’s in addition to the social amelioration funds extended to daily wage earners,” he said.
Senator Joel Villanueva likewise said that keeping Luzon under quarantine “for a very long period” would not be sustainable.
“Looking at the analysis produced by the UP COVID-19 response team, there are areas in Luzon that are quite far from having a COVID-19 outbreak,” he said.
The government should consider lifting the quarantine in these areas “with the caveat that social distancing, proper wearing of masks and hand washing are strictly practiced,” he added.
“I would also recommend that we balance economic and public health interests,” the senator said.
He said industries which are big economic contributors like construction and manufacturing should be allowed to operate provided that regular randomized testing of workers, social distancing, sanitizing and face mask protocols are implemented.
“We should also ensure transportation of workers. Other social and economic activities like schools and malls, can remain closed,” he added.
60-day modified ECQ
Once the Luzon-wide lockdown is lifted, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian proposed the enforcement of a modified ECQ for another two months.
“Ang nakikita ko kasi dito, lumalaki yung testing capability natin. Ibig sabihin mas maraming ospital ang kakayahang mag-testing,” he told reporters in a virtual press conference.
(What I see here is that the country’s testing capability is improving. This means more hospitals can conduct testing).
“Importante kasi ang testing. Magte-test tayo para pag nahanap natin yung may positive, ika-quarantine natin siya, hindi na kailangang i-quarantine ang buong siyudad o buong Metro Manila,” he added.
(Testing is important. With testing, we can determine who is positive for the virus, we would quarantine the patient and we no longer have to place the entire city, or the whole Metro Manila under quarantine).
But the enforcement of a modified ECQ should still depend on the analysis and recommendations of public health and medical experts, as well as scientists, and the flattening of the country’s COVID-19 curve, Gatchalian said.
Modifying the ECQ should also depend on whether or not the country’s testing capacity nationwide could reach from 15,000 to 20,000 per day.
“If less, then we have (to) carefully study if modified ECQ is still possible,” he added.
Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said he expects that the ECQ could be extended while areas that do not have any transmission of the disease can be placed under a modified community quarantine.
“Hopefully we [can] contain its transmission by reducing its infection rate. This can only be done by massive testing, isolation and treatment in all LGU with cases,” Recto said.
“Lifting the lockdown in certain areas with low or no transmission will allow people to work, earn and provide for their families. That will help in restarting our economy,” he added.
On the other hand, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said an extension of the ECQ would be possible if mass testing would not be implemented immediately.
“Unless we are to undertake mass testing (as soon as possible), a possible extension of the ECQ is looming, especially in areas where contamination because of [the] thick population is present. But then, it’s just a thought as of now,” he said in a message to reporters.
Like Sotto, Senator Manny Pacquiao said the lifting of the ECQ would depend on the country’s mass testing capacity.
“My personal opinion hanggang hindi nagkakaroon ng mass testing sa mga kababayan natin mas makakabuti na ma-extend pa ito ng konti para sa safety ng ating mga kababayan,” Pacquiao said.
(My personal opinion is unless we have conducted mass testing among Filipinos, it would be better to extend the ECQ even just a little longer for the safety of the public).
Senator Sonny Angara, meanwhile, said preparations should be done before the relaxation or lifting of the quarantine.
“We should do things gradually to prevent any large scales outbreaks; allow certain more essential services and industries to operate. Some (with) public transport, some stores and smaller establishments but (with) strict guidelines,” the senator said.
“This must be done after fully preparing local (governments) down to the (barangay) level for the do’s and don’ts,” he added.
To date, Philippine health officials have confirmed 6,459 COVID-19 cases in the country.
Of the number, 428 have died, while 613 patients have recovered.
President Rodrigo Duterte earlier placed the entire Luzon under an enhanced community quarantine as the number of COVID-19 cases in the country continued to increase.
The quarantine became effective on March 17 and was initially set to be lifted on April 13.
The quarantine period, however, has been extended until April 30.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1261855/extend-or-modify-senators-weigh-in-on-enforcement-of-ecq-after-scheduled-lifting-on-april-30
Monday, April 20, 2020
Duterte may finalize decision on Luzon ECQ this week – Palace
President Rodrigo Duterte may decide this week on whether to lift, extend or modify the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) being enforced over Luzon, Malacañang said on Monday.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said there is no definite answer yet on the fate of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine which will lapse on April 30.
However, he said that the chief executive will likely decide on the matter soon to give ample time for authorities and the public to prepare.
“Kinakailangang magdesisyon ang presidente ngayong linggong ito dahil anuman ang maging desisyon niya, kinakailangang paghandaan ang implementasyon,” Roque said in a virtual press briefing.
The Palace official said Duterte is meeting with medical experts to get their recommendations and basis amid the COVID-19 crisis.
He will also discuss the matter with the members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID).
Duterte earlier threatened to impose a martial law-like quarantine measure if the public continues to disobey safety and health protocols against the spread of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The IATF also reiterated it is still discussing possible scenarios and its game plan for post-ECQ, and denied rumors the quarantine will be extended until May.
The Palace likewise dismissed as fake news a viral voice clip which warned about a possible declaration of martial law-type lockdown this week.
The quarantine over Luzon has been in place since March 15 and it is due to end on April 30.
Under this measure, public transport operations are halted, classes and work in some offices are suspended, and only essential workers are allowed to go out of their homes while the rest are ordered to stay inside their residences. – RRD (with details from Correspondent Rosalie Coz)
https://untvweb.com/news/duterte-may-finalize-decision-on-luzon-ecq-this-week-palace/
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said there is no definite answer yet on the fate of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine which will lapse on April 30.
However, he said that the chief executive will likely decide on the matter soon to give ample time for authorities and the public to prepare.
“Kinakailangang magdesisyon ang presidente ngayong linggong ito dahil anuman ang maging desisyon niya, kinakailangang paghandaan ang implementasyon,” Roque said in a virtual press briefing.
The Palace official said Duterte is meeting with medical experts to get their recommendations and basis amid the COVID-19 crisis.
He will also discuss the matter with the members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID).
Duterte earlier threatened to impose a martial law-like quarantine measure if the public continues to disobey safety and health protocols against the spread of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The IATF also reiterated it is still discussing possible scenarios and its game plan for post-ECQ, and denied rumors the quarantine will be extended until May.
The Palace likewise dismissed as fake news a viral voice clip which warned about a possible declaration of martial law-type lockdown this week.
The quarantine over Luzon has been in place since March 15 and it is due to end on April 30.
Under this measure, public transport operations are halted, classes and work in some offices are suspended, and only essential workers are allowed to go out of their homes while the rest are ordered to stay inside their residences. – RRD (with details from Correspondent Rosalie Coz)
https://untvweb.com/news/duterte-may-finalize-decision-on-luzon-ecq-this-week-palace/
Modification or extension? Duterte decision on lockdown out this week
President Rodrigo Duterte will decide this week what action the government will take regarding the extended enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) of the entire Luzon, which is set to lapse on April 30.
According to Duterte’s spokesman Harry Roque, the President is now entertaining two options: to extend the lockdown or modify it to be implemented in select local government units heavily affected by the novel coronavirus.
Roque said Duterte will base his decision on his meeting with health experts on Monday and the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force handling the government’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.
“Dahil sampung araw nalang at matatapos na ang ECQ, kinakailangan magdecide na ang Presidente ngayong linggong ito dahil anuman ang desisyon niya ay kinakailangan paghanda ang implementasyon,” Roque said in an online press briefing Monday.
The Palace official said the government is now looking to “balance” its obligation to protect its people and the Filipinos’ right for livelihood.
“Because the decision is one of the most difficult decisions the President has to make, he will be guided by science. Siyensya po ang gagamitin ng Presidente sa desisyong ito,” Roque noted.
Duterte placed the entire Luzon under a month-long enhanced community quarantine to halt the spread of COVID-19, which has so far infected 6,259 people nationwide, 409 of whom died while 572 recovered.
The Luzon lockdown was supposed to lapse on April 13 but Duterte approved the proposal to extend it until April 30.
The order restricts the movement of people who are only allowed to leave their homes for the provision of food and other basic necessities and in cases of emergency.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1261624/fwd-modification-or-extension-of-luzon-lockdown-duterte-decision-out-this-week
According to Duterte’s spokesman Harry Roque, the President is now entertaining two options: to extend the lockdown or modify it to be implemented in select local government units heavily affected by the novel coronavirus.
Roque said Duterte will base his decision on his meeting with health experts on Monday and the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force handling the government’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.
“Dahil sampung araw nalang at matatapos na ang ECQ, kinakailangan magdecide na ang Presidente ngayong linggong ito dahil anuman ang desisyon niya ay kinakailangan paghanda ang implementasyon,” Roque said in an online press briefing Monday.
The Palace official said the government is now looking to “balance” its obligation to protect its people and the Filipinos’ right for livelihood.
“Because the decision is one of the most difficult decisions the President has to make, he will be guided by science. Siyensya po ang gagamitin ng Presidente sa desisyong ito,” Roque noted.
Duterte placed the entire Luzon under a month-long enhanced community quarantine to halt the spread of COVID-19, which has so far infected 6,259 people nationwide, 409 of whom died while 572 recovered.
The Luzon lockdown was supposed to lapse on April 13 but Duterte approved the proposal to extend it until April 30.
The order restricts the movement of people who are only allowed to leave their homes for the provision of food and other basic necessities and in cases of emergency.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1261624/fwd-modification-or-extension-of-luzon-lockdown-duterte-decision-out-this-week
Government eyes phased, targeted lifting of COVID quarantine
The government is eyeing a phase-by-phase lifting of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine as it considers heeding the advice of the World Health Organization (WHO) against abruptly lifting lockdowns around the world to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Members of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases will meet today to discuss possible scenarios and measures to be enforced once quarantine ends.
While the task force has yet to decide whether to extend or lift the quarantine, its spokesman, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, said the Philippines has to consider the WHO’s reminder about the risks of lifting lockdowns prematurely.
“We have to follow, if ever, the advice of the WHO, that we cannot be abrupt on this. So one of the options being eyed is phase-by-phase (lifting). Maybe it should be targeted. We have to choose (which establishments) should reopen and what workforce would be allowed to work, what transport systems would be allowed,” Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles told radio station dzBB yesterday.
“We have these kinds of guidelines that should be imposed and once they are approved by President Duterte, we would have new dos and don’ts,” said Nograles, who heads the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).
The quarantine started on March 17 and was supposed to end on April 12, but Duterte decided to extend it to give the government more time to conduct tests and strengthen the country’s health system.
The government warned yesterday that strict measures would be reimposed if there is a resurgence in COVID cases after the quarantine is lifted.
Nograles assured the public that the government would act swiftly in the event of a resurgence of coronavirus cases.
“There is a caveat... If the numbers increase, if there is a new spike or surge or resurgence or second wave or relapse, whatever terminology will be used, the bottom line is if we see another increase in the number of cases, we have to be prepared. The government has to decide quickly,” he said.
“We need to be strict again, implement again the enhanced community quarantine, either as a whole or in particular localities. Our action should be swift,” he added.
The IATF spokesman said the task force is expected to discuss today which industries and sectors would be allowed to resume operations, whether the quarantine should still cover the entire island of Luzon or only selected areas.
The government, according to Nograles, will consider five parameters in deciding whether to lift or extend the quarantine: the epidemiological curve or the acceleration or deceleration of COVID-19 cases; health aspects, including capacity to test, isolate and treat patients, and facilities; social aspect; economic aspect and security aspect.
“We do not know yet what will happen (today). Hopefully, we will arrive at a consensus. Whatever recommendations to be presented, ultimately, it will be President Duterte who will decide,” he said, adding that regardless of the post-quarantine scenario to be implemented, the wearing of face masks, constant disinfection and social distancing would still be required.
The government is also expected to ramp up the testing of patients under investigation and patients under monitoring tomorrow because of its improved testing capacity, according to the task force spokesman.
Expanded meeting
Sen. Bong Go yesterday confirmed that Duterte will decide this week whether or not to extend or totally or partially lift the quarantine after April 30 amid the continued rise in COVID-19 cases in the country.
Go, chairman of the Senate committee on health, said Duterte is scheduled today to preside over an expanded meeting with IATF members, including health secretaries of previous administrations and other experts.
The senator said the IATF meetings of late were being conducted through Zoom as many officials of the task force have been found positive of the disease. It was not yet clear how the meeting today with Duterte would be done.
“Our situation is really difficult; Filipinos are now pinned down, but I think we must be really strict in the next 11 days until April 30, and I think the President will decide this week whether or not to extend it or loosen it,” Go told dzBB in Filipino. “The coming days will be crucial… The people’s lives and livelihood are at stake.”
If he were to be asked, the senator said he would lean toward “saving lives” even as he admitted that the urgent need to jumpstart the economy is just as compelling.
Go, a member of the joint congressional oversight panel on the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, said he continues to monitor the situation of many Filipinos affected by the quarantine in Luzon as well as in many parts of the country.
Sen. Sonny Angara said he is in favor of “relaxing” the quarantine for specific areas or barangays.
“I suggest a barangay-based quarantine while other establishments, like businesses and industries, transportation, could be opened,” Angara told dzRH.
He said essential retail establishments should also be allowed to open.
The senator, however, said mass testing must be ramped up so that the government can determine which areas are safe from COVID-19.
He cited the case of some parts of northern Japan, where quarantine was lifted and saw a second wave of infections.
Dr. Anthony Leachon, special adviser to the IATF, said the National Task Force on COVID-19 led by Secretary Carlito Galvez, is looking at three scenarios after April 30: a modified community quarantine relaxing measures for “essential workers;” “rolling” lifting of community quarantine by local government units (LGUs) or localized lifting, depending on certain health parameters; and status quo, meaning, extending the quarantine until May 15.
“I believe the second option gives better specificity and is nuanced per LGU. For each LGU, there are massive implications for coping and building capacity to execute. I think a combination of the first and second, if properly timed and well-executed, may address both flattening the curve and getting the economy moving,” Leachon said.
‘Is health system ready?’
For Vice President Leni Robredo, the preparedness of the country’s healthcare system to deal with COVID-19 cases must be among the things that the government must consider in lifting or easing the Luzon-wide quarantine.
“The question is: are we ready to deal (with the virus)? Are hospitals ready, is the government ready, is the healthcare system ready?” Robredo said in her weekly program over dzXL yesterday.
She added that COVID-19 cases could rise again when the lockdown is lifted, according to data.
The Vice President said the government should have used the quarantine, which started on March 17, to prepare the country’s healthcare system for the pandemic.
The WHO had earlier set six conditions for ending a lockdown against COVID-19: the disease transmission is under control; health systems are able to “detect, test, isolate and treat every case and trace every contact;” hot spot risks are minimized in vulnerable places such as nursing homes, schools, workplaces; other essential places have established preventive measures; the risk of importing new cases “can be managed;” and communities are fully educated, engaged and empowered to live under a new normal.
Robredo, however, said the government must also weigh in the impact of the prolonged lockdown on small businesses.
“The business sector is suffering, even the big companies are suffering too,” she said.
Presidential adviser for entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion has proposed a selective quarantine at the barangay level.
Community quarantine, he said, should be extended for barangays with high rates of infection to enable the police and the military to focus on areas most affected.
No total lockdown nationwide
Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año has dispelled claims that the national government will impose a total lockdown over the entire country amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Año said that while expanding the quarantine to areas outside Luzon is “an option,” there would be no total lockdown nationwide.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel, he said it is too early to say what move will the government be taking as it needs more data.
A recommendation to the President is expected to be submitted on April 25 or by the end of the week.
Last week, Duterte threatened that he would impose martial law-like discipline following thousands of quarantine violators tallied by the police.
Año said authorities would not impose martial rule, but they would be deploying additional uniformed personnel to ensure strict implementation of the quarantine. – With Paolo Romero, Edit Regalado, Helen Flores, Romina Cabrera, Evelyn Macairan
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/04/20/2008462/government-eyes-phased-targeted-lifting-covid-quarantine
Members of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases will meet today to discuss possible scenarios and measures to be enforced once quarantine ends.
While the task force has yet to decide whether to extend or lift the quarantine, its spokesman, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, said the Philippines has to consider the WHO’s reminder about the risks of lifting lockdowns prematurely.
“We have to follow, if ever, the advice of the WHO, that we cannot be abrupt on this. So one of the options being eyed is phase-by-phase (lifting). Maybe it should be targeted. We have to choose (which establishments) should reopen and what workforce would be allowed to work, what transport systems would be allowed,” Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles told radio station dzBB yesterday.
“We have these kinds of guidelines that should be imposed and once they are approved by President Duterte, we would have new dos and don’ts,” said Nograles, who heads the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).
The quarantine started on March 17 and was supposed to end on April 12, but Duterte decided to extend it to give the government more time to conduct tests and strengthen the country’s health system.
The government warned yesterday that strict measures would be reimposed if there is a resurgence in COVID cases after the quarantine is lifted.
Nograles assured the public that the government would act swiftly in the event of a resurgence of coronavirus cases.
“There is a caveat... If the numbers increase, if there is a new spike or surge or resurgence or second wave or relapse, whatever terminology will be used, the bottom line is if we see another increase in the number of cases, we have to be prepared. The government has to decide quickly,” he said.
“We need to be strict again, implement again the enhanced community quarantine, either as a whole or in particular localities. Our action should be swift,” he added.
The IATF spokesman said the task force is expected to discuss today which industries and sectors would be allowed to resume operations, whether the quarantine should still cover the entire island of Luzon or only selected areas.
The government, according to Nograles, will consider five parameters in deciding whether to lift or extend the quarantine: the epidemiological curve or the acceleration or deceleration of COVID-19 cases; health aspects, including capacity to test, isolate and treat patients, and facilities; social aspect; economic aspect and security aspect.
“We do not know yet what will happen (today). Hopefully, we will arrive at a consensus. Whatever recommendations to be presented, ultimately, it will be President Duterte who will decide,” he said, adding that regardless of the post-quarantine scenario to be implemented, the wearing of face masks, constant disinfection and social distancing would still be required.
The government is also expected to ramp up the testing of patients under investigation and patients under monitoring tomorrow because of its improved testing capacity, according to the task force spokesman.
Expanded meeting
Sen. Bong Go yesterday confirmed that Duterte will decide this week whether or not to extend or totally or partially lift the quarantine after April 30 amid the continued rise in COVID-19 cases in the country.
Go, chairman of the Senate committee on health, said Duterte is scheduled today to preside over an expanded meeting with IATF members, including health secretaries of previous administrations and other experts.
The senator said the IATF meetings of late were being conducted through Zoom as many officials of the task force have been found positive of the disease. It was not yet clear how the meeting today with Duterte would be done.
“Our situation is really difficult; Filipinos are now pinned down, but I think we must be really strict in the next 11 days until April 30, and I think the President will decide this week whether or not to extend it or loosen it,” Go told dzBB in Filipino. “The coming days will be crucial… The people’s lives and livelihood are at stake.”
If he were to be asked, the senator said he would lean toward “saving lives” even as he admitted that the urgent need to jumpstart the economy is just as compelling.
Go, a member of the joint congressional oversight panel on the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, said he continues to monitor the situation of many Filipinos affected by the quarantine in Luzon as well as in many parts of the country.
Sen. Sonny Angara said he is in favor of “relaxing” the quarantine for specific areas or barangays.
“I suggest a barangay-based quarantine while other establishments, like businesses and industries, transportation, could be opened,” Angara told dzRH.
He said essential retail establishments should also be allowed to open.
The senator, however, said mass testing must be ramped up so that the government can determine which areas are safe from COVID-19.
He cited the case of some parts of northern Japan, where quarantine was lifted and saw a second wave of infections.
Dr. Anthony Leachon, special adviser to the IATF, said the National Task Force on COVID-19 led by Secretary Carlito Galvez, is looking at three scenarios after April 30: a modified community quarantine relaxing measures for “essential workers;” “rolling” lifting of community quarantine by local government units (LGUs) or localized lifting, depending on certain health parameters; and status quo, meaning, extending the quarantine until May 15.
“I believe the second option gives better specificity and is nuanced per LGU. For each LGU, there are massive implications for coping and building capacity to execute. I think a combination of the first and second, if properly timed and well-executed, may address both flattening the curve and getting the economy moving,” Leachon said.
‘Is health system ready?’
For Vice President Leni Robredo, the preparedness of the country’s healthcare system to deal with COVID-19 cases must be among the things that the government must consider in lifting or easing the Luzon-wide quarantine.
“The question is: are we ready to deal (with the virus)? Are hospitals ready, is the government ready, is the healthcare system ready?” Robredo said in her weekly program over dzXL yesterday.
She added that COVID-19 cases could rise again when the lockdown is lifted, according to data.
The Vice President said the government should have used the quarantine, which started on March 17, to prepare the country’s healthcare system for the pandemic.
The WHO had earlier set six conditions for ending a lockdown against COVID-19: the disease transmission is under control; health systems are able to “detect, test, isolate and treat every case and trace every contact;” hot spot risks are minimized in vulnerable places such as nursing homes, schools, workplaces; other essential places have established preventive measures; the risk of importing new cases “can be managed;” and communities are fully educated, engaged and empowered to live under a new normal.
Robredo, however, said the government must also weigh in the impact of the prolonged lockdown on small businesses.
“The business sector is suffering, even the big companies are suffering too,” she said.
Presidential adviser for entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion has proposed a selective quarantine at the barangay level.
Community quarantine, he said, should be extended for barangays with high rates of infection to enable the police and the military to focus on areas most affected.
No total lockdown nationwide
Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año has dispelled claims that the national government will impose a total lockdown over the entire country amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Año said that while expanding the quarantine to areas outside Luzon is “an option,” there would be no total lockdown nationwide.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel, he said it is too early to say what move will the government be taking as it needs more data.
A recommendation to the President is expected to be submitted on April 25 or by the end of the week.
Last week, Duterte threatened that he would impose martial law-like discipline following thousands of quarantine violators tallied by the police.
Año said authorities would not impose martial rule, but they would be deploying additional uniformed personnel to ensure strict implementation of the quarantine. – With Paolo Romero, Edit Regalado, Helen Flores, Romina Cabrera, Evelyn Macairan
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/04/20/2008462/government-eyes-phased-targeted-lifting-covid-quarantine
Nationwide round-up
Barangay-level lockdown to continue after ECQ lifting
SELECTIVE lockdowns at the barangay level should remain in place after the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) measures against the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are lifted, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Ma. A. Concepcion III said. “(For) areas that still have high level of infection, I think they will continue (the lockdown), and I would agree with that because we cannot let our guards down,” Mr. Concepcion said in a television interview on Sunday. Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., chief implementer of the COVID-19 National Action Plan, earlier said selective quarantine is possible as a means to isolate and treat COVID-19 patients. “We start from the barangay… if it’s very hard for the government to monitor, then you can look at the municipality and elevate it to the city and so forth to the province. Those are our recommendations,” Mr. Concepcion said. He also announced that the private sector recently launched Project ARK (antibody rapid test kits) to test all employees for the virus. The project will later be expanded to sample sizes in barangays, he said, adding that the data collected by the private sector will be shared with the Health department. — Jenina P. Ibañez
Lawmaker seeks detailed report on quarantine facilities
A LAWMAKER called on the government to provide detailed reporting and accountability on temporary quarantine facilities (TQFs) for coronavirus disease 2019 patients around the country. “There is an IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease) directive enjoining LGUs (local government units) to set up their temporary quarantine facilities. Where are the daily and weekly reports on these TQFs?” Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo A. Garbin, Jr. said in a statement Sunday. He recommended that the government post status reports on TQFs and identify the accountable individuals in charge of the day-to-day operations. — Genshen L. Espedido
Gov’t yet to decide on ceasefire extension
THE GOVERNMENT has yet to discuss whether to extend the unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels, Palace Spokesperson Harry L. Roque said in a statement on Sunday. “(T)his matter is something the National Task Force on Ending Local Armed Conflict can discuss with the President,” he said. The ceasefire was first ordered by President Rodrigo R. Duterte at the beginning of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) last month as the country deals with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. The National Democratic Front of the Philippines-Communist Party of the Philippines reciprocated after the United Nations called for a global armistice amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The communist movement has announced a ceasefire extension to April 30, which coincides with the lifting of the ECQ. “The call for peace is everyone’s desire and it has become more urgent in the present state of calamity and public health emergency,” Mr. Roque said. — Gillian M. Cortez
Palace wants more proof of alleged human rights violations by LGUs
THE Palace on Sunday said they will need more proof before taking action on alleged human rights violations by local government units (LGUs) in the implementation of community quarantine guidelines. Palace Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, in a statement, said, “As we are not fully aware of the details of such violations, we will appreciate receipt of detailed information of the same for proper action by the appropriate agencies.” He added, “Under the current circumstances we are in, the LGUs enforce the law as reasonably strict as possible for the full protection of our people.” The national government has imposed a lockdown in Luzon and quarantine guidelines for LGUs nationwide. There have been allegations made on social media of punishments for violators such as carrying a gallon of water for hours, push-ups, and other physically demanding activities. Mr. Roque told the public to simply follow the quarantine rules, saying, “This entails everyone’s cooperation. We need to fight this pandemic together.” — Gillian M. Cortez
https://www.bworldonline.com/nationwide-round-up-228/
SELECTIVE lockdowns at the barangay level should remain in place after the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) measures against the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are lifted, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Ma. A. Concepcion III said. “(For) areas that still have high level of infection, I think they will continue (the lockdown), and I would agree with that because we cannot let our guards down,” Mr. Concepcion said in a television interview on Sunday. Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., chief implementer of the COVID-19 National Action Plan, earlier said selective quarantine is possible as a means to isolate and treat COVID-19 patients. “We start from the barangay… if it’s very hard for the government to monitor, then you can look at the municipality and elevate it to the city and so forth to the province. Those are our recommendations,” Mr. Concepcion said. He also announced that the private sector recently launched Project ARK (antibody rapid test kits) to test all employees for the virus. The project will later be expanded to sample sizes in barangays, he said, adding that the data collected by the private sector will be shared with the Health department. — Jenina P. Ibañez
Lawmaker seeks detailed report on quarantine facilities
A LAWMAKER called on the government to provide detailed reporting and accountability on temporary quarantine facilities (TQFs) for coronavirus disease 2019 patients around the country. “There is an IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease) directive enjoining LGUs (local government units) to set up their temporary quarantine facilities. Where are the daily and weekly reports on these TQFs?” Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo A. Garbin, Jr. said in a statement Sunday. He recommended that the government post status reports on TQFs and identify the accountable individuals in charge of the day-to-day operations. — Genshen L. Espedido
Gov’t yet to decide on ceasefire extension
THE GOVERNMENT has yet to discuss whether to extend the unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels, Palace Spokesperson Harry L. Roque said in a statement on Sunday. “(T)his matter is something the National Task Force on Ending Local Armed Conflict can discuss with the President,” he said. The ceasefire was first ordered by President Rodrigo R. Duterte at the beginning of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) last month as the country deals with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. The National Democratic Front of the Philippines-Communist Party of the Philippines reciprocated after the United Nations called for a global armistice amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The communist movement has announced a ceasefire extension to April 30, which coincides with the lifting of the ECQ. “The call for peace is everyone’s desire and it has become more urgent in the present state of calamity and public health emergency,” Mr. Roque said. — Gillian M. Cortez
Palace wants more proof of alleged human rights violations by LGUs
THE Palace on Sunday said they will need more proof before taking action on alleged human rights violations by local government units (LGUs) in the implementation of community quarantine guidelines. Palace Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, in a statement, said, “As we are not fully aware of the details of such violations, we will appreciate receipt of detailed information of the same for proper action by the appropriate agencies.” He added, “Under the current circumstances we are in, the LGUs enforce the law as reasonably strict as possible for the full protection of our people.” The national government has imposed a lockdown in Luzon and quarantine guidelines for LGUs nationwide. There have been allegations made on social media of punishments for violators such as carrying a gallon of water for hours, push-ups, and other physically demanding activities. Mr. Roque told the public to simply follow the quarantine rules, saying, “This entails everyone’s cooperation. We need to fight this pandemic together.” — Gillian M. Cortez
https://www.bworldonline.com/nationwide-round-up-228/
President weighs lockdown; lawmaker seeks 2 more weeks
PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte is expected to decide whether to lift or extend a Luzon-wide lockdown that has brought the Philippine economy to a standstill amid the coronavirus disease pandemic, and will probably continue to mandate social distancing protocols in the absence of any cure.
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) will present to an inter-agency task force made up of Cabinet officials its recommendations once the lockdown that started on March 17 expires on April 30, NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon said in a mobile-phone message on Sunday.
“The matter will still be presented before the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), the parameters to be used and the decision,” she said. “We just know that social distancing will still be observed.”
Albay Rep. Jose Maria Clemente S. Salceda yesterday said the Luzon lockdown should be extended by two more weeks.
“The risk of a resurgence of infection remains significant and the total economic cost of a resurgence in infection is triple the cost,” he told CNN Philippines.
The congressman said 130,000 people will have been tested by the end of April, which is “too small for a country of 110 million.”
NEDA heads the IATF technical working group that will recommend measures and policies in the battle against the COVID-19 virus.
Ms. Edillon said their recommendations would be used in Mr. Duterte’s decision on the lockdown.
Mr. Duterte can either lift, extend or modify lockdown protocols meant to contain the pandemic that has sickened 6,259 and killed 409 people in the Philippines.
The President will meet with health experts today including, former Health secretaries, to discuss options, Senator Christopher Lawrence T. Go, his former aide, told DZBB radio yesterday.
Mr. Duterte locked down the entire Luzon island on March 17, suspending work, classes and public transportation to contain the pandemic. He later extended it by two more weeks until April 30.
Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra, a task force member, said it was not practical to wait for zero human transmission of the virus before lifting the lockdown.
“It may not be advisable to wait until the entire country reaches a zero level of human transmission,” he told reporters in a group message. “By then, we may have hit the tipping point where it would be extremely difficult to recover from the economic and social devastation.”
Senator Christopher T. Go in a radio interview said the president is meeting with health experts to consult on the extension or modification of the ECQ after April 30.
Experts from the University of the Philippines reported despite the ECQ appearing successful, its expansion “may not be sustainable over the long run,” and extending restrictions on movement of goods and services might “unnecessarily paralyze the economy.”
Resigned Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia last week said extending the lockdown beyond April 30 would be difficult, and should be gradually lifted instead.
In an interview with the ABS-CBN News Channel yesterday, he reiterated his proposal for selective quarantine after April 30, adding that this should be accompanied by mass testing.
Joey Concepcion, Mr. Duterte’s adviser for entrepreneurship, wants selective lockdown or village-based strategies to avoid penalizing areas that remain COVID-19-free. — Beatrice M. Laforga, Genshen L. Espedido, Vann Marlo M. Villegas and Charmaine A. Tadalan
https://www.bworldonline.com/president-weighs-lockdown-lawmaker-seeks-2-more-weeks/
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) will present to an inter-agency task force made up of Cabinet officials its recommendations once the lockdown that started on March 17 expires on April 30, NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon said in a mobile-phone message on Sunday.
“The matter will still be presented before the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), the parameters to be used and the decision,” she said. “We just know that social distancing will still be observed.”
Albay Rep. Jose Maria Clemente S. Salceda yesterday said the Luzon lockdown should be extended by two more weeks.
“The risk of a resurgence of infection remains significant and the total economic cost of a resurgence in infection is triple the cost,” he told CNN Philippines.
The congressman said 130,000 people will have been tested by the end of April, which is “too small for a country of 110 million.”
NEDA heads the IATF technical working group that will recommend measures and policies in the battle against the COVID-19 virus.
Ms. Edillon said their recommendations would be used in Mr. Duterte’s decision on the lockdown.
Mr. Duterte can either lift, extend or modify lockdown protocols meant to contain the pandemic that has sickened 6,259 and killed 409 people in the Philippines.
The President will meet with health experts today including, former Health secretaries, to discuss options, Senator Christopher Lawrence T. Go, his former aide, told DZBB radio yesterday.
Mr. Duterte locked down the entire Luzon island on March 17, suspending work, classes and public transportation to contain the pandemic. He later extended it by two more weeks until April 30.
Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra, a task force member, said it was not practical to wait for zero human transmission of the virus before lifting the lockdown.
“It may not be advisable to wait until the entire country reaches a zero level of human transmission,” he told reporters in a group message. “By then, we may have hit the tipping point where it would be extremely difficult to recover from the economic and social devastation.”
Senator Christopher T. Go in a radio interview said the president is meeting with health experts to consult on the extension or modification of the ECQ after April 30.
Experts from the University of the Philippines reported despite the ECQ appearing successful, its expansion “may not be sustainable over the long run,” and extending restrictions on movement of goods and services might “unnecessarily paralyze the economy.”
Resigned Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia last week said extending the lockdown beyond April 30 would be difficult, and should be gradually lifted instead.
In an interview with the ABS-CBN News Channel yesterday, he reiterated his proposal for selective quarantine after April 30, adding that this should be accompanied by mass testing.
Joey Concepcion, Mr. Duterte’s adviser for entrepreneurship, wants selective lockdown or village-based strategies to avoid penalizing areas that remain COVID-19-free. — Beatrice M. Laforga, Genshen L. Espedido, Vann Marlo M. Villegas and Charmaine A. Tadalan
https://www.bworldonline.com/president-weighs-lockdown-lawmaker-seeks-2-more-weeks/
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