Lawmaker wants weeklong NCR lockdown amid COVID-19 threat

Albay Representative Joey Salceda proposed Monday a one week lockdown of the National Capital Region (NCR) to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease or COVID-19.

Salceda, chairman of the House committee on ways and means, made the call after local governments in Quezon City, Marikina, and Pasig reported cases of COVID-19.

“Everyone is a suspect now, thus, the need for isolation shock,” Salceda told reporters.

Specifically, Salceda proposed the implementation of the following measures within the NCR during the lockdown:

•     suspension of classes,
•     work stoppage,
•     no bus trips,
•     no domestic flights, and
•     closure of South Luzon Expressway and North Luzon and Expressway and railways.

Likewise, Salceda said the lockdown on NCR should be accompanied by a nationwide suspension of classes.

“In times like these, being overacting is okay,” he said.

“The costs of mass community transmission far outweigh the economic losses arising from preemptive actions. Zero casualty doctrine should extend to all emergencies, especially health emergencies,” the lawmaker added.

There are at least 10 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, according to the Department of Health. 

Of the 10 who were infected, one male Chinese died. He is from Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the COVID-19.—AOL, GMA News