Economic considerations may have won over health in the government’s decision to retain the National Capital Region under general community quarantine (GCQ with heightened restrictions.
Secretary Ramon Lopez of the Department of Trade and Industry said the government believes new coronavirus disease 2019 cases, including those of the Delta variant, remain under control.
“The economy cannot bear another massive lockdown, unless the situation really calls for it,” Lopez told reporters.
He said a two-week lockdown would result to P30 billion inlost wages and would affect 1.8 million workers, based on the NCR Plus’ experience when it was placed under enhanced community quarantine in March.
Lopez said the proportion of closed businesses particularly among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) could double to 16 percent from 8 to 10 percent at present, leading to job losses. of enterprises
“Loss of jobs will worsen hunger situation,” Lopez said.
Lopez said the decision is backed by the fact that new coronavirus disease 2019 cases are still within manageable levels.
“We are not underestimating the Delta variant.
Delta has been detected but cases aare so far being monitored and contained. It is being closely watched,” he added.
Taking a more holistic assessment, he said, should be accompanied by intensified vaccination rollout plus strict public health standard and granular lockdown.
This way, Lopez said “we keep the economy going and save jobs and livelihood.“
“What is key is we allow the economy to reopen in a safe and very calibrated way but we make more restrictions on non- essential activities and mass gatherings and definitely no superspreader activities.
Lopez called on all establishments to ensure the implementation of minimum public health standards at all times.
He also enjoined companies to appoint health and safety officers to ensure these standards are being enforced.
“We need to ensure good ventilation and prevent mass gathering and big crowding situations,” he added.
