Netizens appeal for notice before imposing granular lockdown

Several netizens appealed for notice from the local government before imposing the granular lockdown on a particular area to allow the affected residents to prepare.

They also urged the government to distribute leaflets on the new quarantine classifications in Metro Manila as the many variations of the lockdown may cause confusion among the public.

According to a report on "24 Oras" on Tuesday, the National Capital Region (NCR) will be under Alert Level 4 starting September 16, the start of the pilot  implementation of granular lockdowns amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Based on the government's new guidelines, areas under Alert Level 4 -- the second highest alert level in the new scheme -- are those with COVID-19 case counts that are high or increasing while total beds and ICU beds are at high utilization rate.

"Wala naman kaming magagawa kundi ang sumunod. Ang kaso kasi hindi naman maganda ang lockdown de gulat. Bigyan niyo naman sana kami ng enough time para makapag-prepare at makapagsabi sa kaniya-kaniyang opisina," a netizen said.

Another netizen said distributing materials on the guidelines of the alert levels will avert confusion among the people.

"Baka lalong magkalituhan tungkol sa mga guidelines na ipatutupad bawat alert level. Mainam siguro kung makapagbigay man lang ng mga leaflets para may guide ang bawal individual," the netizen said.

"Ang mahirap po kasi may mga bantay at volunteer na hindi masyadong na-orient na may mga tao din naman na hindi rin masyadong alam ang guidelines kaya madalas may mga pagtatalo," the netizen added.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government said assistance will be given instantly to residents affected by granular lockdowns that may be implemented starting September 16.

For the second week, the Department of Social Welfare and Development will distribute food packs to concerned residents.

According to officials, granular lockdowns could be implemented on a house,  compound, street or building with high cases of infections.—Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News