Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez estimates economic losses of P200 million and temporary displacement of up to 200,000 workers in the nearly two weeks the National Capital Region (NCR) is under Alert Level 3.
But Lopez noted the alert level strategy has enabled almost all sectors to operate except those which are explicitly disallowed like fun fairs and amusements and live performances.
Lopez, however, said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is batting for allowing mobility to minors particularly those who are vaccinated under the current alert level, saying minors are a big help in boosting the economy.
“(DTI) and NEDA (National Economic and Development Authority) had proposed to review the protocols and allow minors to go out because we have seen that even if most establishments were open to minors (the past weeks), the number of cases continued to drop. So there is a big possibility (the rise in cases) is not related to giving minors mobility,” Lopez said.
Reverting to Level 3 from Level 2 reduced the capacity of establishments by 20-percentage points: 50 percent from 70 percent for outdoor and from 50 percent to 30 percent for indoors. Capacity can go up to 60 percent for those with Safety Seal as NCR has attained 70 percent vaccination rate.
“All other micro, small and medium enterprises and indoor activities including gyms and cinemas are allowed though at lower capacity. The impact is not that huge,” Lopez added.
Lopez’ estimates were based on the economic gains realized when NCR went from Level 3 to Level 2 in November.
Lopez expressed support to the proposal of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to limit mobility of unvaccinated individuals to just essential services saying this group is the most vulnerable to contract the virus.
At the same time, Lopez said this gives the vaccinated the privilege to move around more freely.
“In the past, we could not limit the movement of the unvaccinated because of low vaccine supply. But now we have enough vaccines,” he added.
Lopez reminded establishments to heighten their screening by requiring patrons to present their vaccination cards and not rely on their declaration.
In a statement, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion also expressed support to MMDA’s proposal to limit the movement of unvaccinated individuals.
MMDA through chairman Benhur Abalos was expected to issue a resolution urging local government units in NCR to enact their respective ordinances on enhanced vaccination mandate to regulate the mobility of unvaccinated individuals in Metro Manila.
The MMDA wants unvaccinated persons to be prohibited in indoor and outdoor dining in restaurants and other food establishments and be prohibited from leisure or social trips to malls, hotels, event venues and similar facilities.
The unvaccinated will also be prohibited from domestic travel via land, sea and air, unless if it’s for procurement of goods and services, work, medical and dental necessities.
Unvaccinated individuals will also be required to undergo swab test every two weeks at their personal expense and present a COVID-19 negative result prior to being admitted for work onsite.
Under the MMDA resolution, any individual or establishment that violates these rules shall be prosecuted and fine. Any person or establishment that will falsify COVID-19 cards shall also be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. – Irma Isip
