Malacañang has yet to see the need to impose a stricter lockdown on communities because of its severe impact on the economy.
According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, vigilance against the COVID-19 threat should be part of daily life.
“We need to live with this virus. Sa akin po talaga, hindi po ako nasa laylayan ng lipunan pero I would imagine na ‘yong mga ‘no work, no pay’ ay talagang nagdarasal po na sana makapagpatuloy silang magtrabaho dahil sa ngayon po wala rin tayong ayuda na nasa budget,” said Roque.
Roque released the statements in the face of the continuing increase in COVID-19 cases in the country, including Metro Manila.
Some medical experts also say there is no need to go back to tighter lockdown despite the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the country.
“I don’t think we need to go back to a stricter lockdown at this point in time,” said infectious disease specialist Dr. Rontgene Solante.
Solante explained that health workers are already accustomed to handling COVID-19 patients and the health system is also better prepared.
Also in response to the rising number of cases, the mayors of Metro Manila have implemented a unified curfew from 10 pm to 5 am, which was enforced on Monday night.
No need for strict lockdown yet – Malacañang
According to the Philippine National Police, they will deploy 9,000 policemen in Metro Manila to enforce the curfew.
379 checkpoints will also be deployed in Manila.
Only essential services are exempted and employment ID must be shown.
In Quezon City, COVID-19 facilities from Hope 1 to Hope 4, including Novaliches District Hospital, Quezon City General Hospital, and Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital, have been filled.
At Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital, an additional tent has been set up outside the hospital that will serve as COVID-19 wards.
The data from the local government unit (LGU) also shows that COVID-19 is often obtained in the workplace, which in turn is taken home by the employee.
As a result, Mayor Joy Belmonte ordered a review of whether the offices and other workplaces are following health protocols.
Twenty-five areas in the city have been locked down due to the number of active cases.