Neda Chief Pushed For Modified Lockdown In Luzon As PH Fights COVID-19
MODIFIED LOCKDOWN PUSHED – As the Philippines continues its fights against COVID-19, several experts have called to extend the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon.
Previously, the World Health Organization emphasized that the Philippines shouldn’t prematurely end the quarantine. Likewise, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia proposed a “modified” lockdown.
According to a report from Inquirer, Pernia stated he would make the proposal before the Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19. As such, he stated:
I would suggest that it would be some kind of a modified lockdown, maybe Metro Manila also easing some of the restrictions like transportation moving around, the opening of pharmacies and sources of food and other retail shops for basic needs of people
He added that in Luzon, especially Calabarzon, Central Luzon, and other agricultural provinces should wrap up agricultural supplies. Furthermore, he emphasized that the government could loosen some of the tight restrictions of the people.
We can loosen some of that. We need to go to our offices too because we have been working from home but we need to go to our offices and be able to look at what’s happening there and interact with our skeletal forces in the offices
As per the report, Pernia would also propose easing the process in the transport of food and other products from Northern Luzon to Metro Manila.
Additionally, Pernia also emphasized that major companies should be allowed to transport workers via shuttle buses. This would be done so that physical distancing may be practiced.
In terms of education, he added that modified school for primary level should be up for discussion. He highlighted that schooling with the help of technology would be easy for tertiary and secondary students but difficult for primary students.
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