The OCTA Research group agrees with the gradual relaxation of quarantine protocols in the National Capital Region Plus bubble after subjecting the area to strict lockdown protocols in recent months.
For OCTA Research fellow Guido David, opening businesses and lifting quarantine should be gradual and should not be taken lightly.
“What we don’t want to do is to open up everything instantly. If we open up quickly, the message is “everything is okay” and now people are complacent again. We have to remind people, that the variants are still spreading,” said David.
The Metro Manila Council or the association of mayors in NCR is also studying the gradual opening up of the economy especially as the contamination accelerates due to the COVID-19 variants.
“Paano ang border controls mo? Do you open that, do you maintain that, or close that? Kasi personally dapat unti-unti talaga. Hindi puwedeng biglaan if ever mag-open at hindi status quo,” said Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Benhur Abalos. The MMDA is under the MMC.
The infectious disease expert advised that one should still be careful with the household transmission. According to infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante, there is still a possibility of a surge especially since the number of vaccinated people is still low.
‘Slow but sure’ easing of quarantine restrictions urged
“Kasi nangyayari pag nag-o-open nagiging complacent din tayo sa implementation sa pag-follow sa health protocols. A surge will still be possible especially with a low vaccination rate and poor compliance with the protocol,” said Solante.
Experts also recommend that open-air dining and outdoor activities be promoted even after the NCR Plus Bubble is subjected to general community quarantine. In addition, Solante insisted on keeping MECQ in place for the entire month of May.
This is also the possible recommendation of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 (NTF), according to their spokesperson ret. Gen. Restituto Padilla.
“Slow but sure ang susundin nating rule ngayon. Ang NTF nagpu-push na manatili ito sa current level ng controls so tamang paghihigpit lamang para ‘yung lumalabas, ‘yung mga pinayagan lamang, pinayagan mga trabaho,” said Padilla.
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