After easing community lockdown measures, the government is considering localized lockdowns for barangays with high numbers of COVID-19 cases instead of implementing region-wide lockdowns.
According to Chief Implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 Carlito Galvez Jr., the government is considering this move to jumpstart the economy while preventing the further spread of the virus.
“Ibig sabihin, papaliitin lang natin. Gagawin natin is ‘yong barangay na mayroon cases, ‘yon ang ilo-lockdown natin para ma-preserve natin ang economy,” Galvez said during a meeting with President Duterte. “We will not allow infections in our economic corridors. We have to preserve our economic corridors,” he adds.
Beginning May 16, areas around the country have been placed under general community lockdown and have had restrictions on movement eased. Only Metro Manila, Laguna province and the cities of Cebu and Mandaue remained under strict lockdown.
In areas under modified enhanced community quarantine, several sectors have also been allowed to partially operate as a way to help restart the country’s economy.
Header photo by Richard A. Reyes for Philippine Daily Inquirer
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