Survey: 6 out 10 Filipinos hesitant work again amid COVID-19 threat

A survey showed that 6 out of 10 Filipinos are still reluctant to return to work even after the government would ease quarantine restrictions in the country amid the COVID-19 crisis.

President Rodrigo Duterte is set to decide whether he will allow a more relaxed quarantine in Metro Manila, where many industries and some public transportation will return.

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May Philcare Community Quarantine Wellness Index surveyed 800 respondents, and it showed that 6 out of every 10 Filipino workers were hesitant to return to their offices.

About 80 percent of those surveyed are afraid of getting the disease and infecting their loved ones.

“Offices can be more proactive in communicating with their employees… It’s important for these companies to be front and center in assuring their employees that their safety and health will be guaranteed once they return to work,” said Dr. Fernando Paragas, lead researcher of Philcare Community Quarantine Wellness Index. 

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Call center agent Geraldine Vilbar is thankful she was able to work from home even though her internet connection at home was only prepaid.

Vilbar said she was reluctant to return to the office again as she had children who could be infected if the virus hit her.

“Sa cases natin ng COVID-19 ngayon na hindi bumababa, siyempre natatakot ako para sa mga anak ko siyempre, baka mamaya ako ‘yung carrier nung virus,” she said.

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(Our COVID-19 cases do not decrease. Of course, I am afraid for my children. We’ll never know I could be a carrier of the virus.)

Also read: NCR ‘ready’ for GCQ transition- Palace

Returning to work amid COVID-19 threat

Public relations professional David Lozada is still not complacent about returning to work.

“Ako siguro magpapaalam ako na mag work from home pa rin siguro nang isa o dalawang buwan, dahil din kasama ko ‘yung nanay ko na may preexisting condition,” he said.

(As for me, maybe I would ask my employer if I could work from home for one or two months because I am living with my mother who has a preexisting condition.)

The survey also showed that Filipinos are becoming more cautious in preventing the disease.

Nine out of 10 individuals believe wearing a face mask in public places is essential to prevent or infect COVID-19, according to the survey.

They also believe that using alcohol, physical distancing, and hand washing for 20 seconds is vital to prevent the virus.