No more large-scale lockdown if COVID-19 second wave comes —officials

The Philippines won’t be placed under a large-scale lockdown anew in the event of the so-called second wave of COVID-19 infection, authorities said Tuesday.

This was the response made by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and National Task Force Against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Carlito Galvez, Jr. when questioned by Senator Lito Lapid if the country can survive another lockdown if cases dramatically surge.

“May gagawin na po tayong stratehiya, localized na po ang quarantine measures [pag second wave]. Hindi na ito para sa malawak na lugar,” Duque said during the Senate hearing on COVID-19 response.

“Mas naka focus na ang quarantine measure natin. Kung may mag-positive na dalawa sa isang barangay, iyon na lang ang ila-lockdown,” Duque added.

Luzon was placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) last March 17 — a step followed some urbanized cities across the country to prevent COVID-19 transmission.

The ECQ banned mass transport and prohibited mass gathering, resulting in work stoppages in many industries. 

The quarantine has been eased since last May 16, with 50 to 75 percent of employees per company now allowed to work as long as physical distancing is observed.

Under this new set-up, Galvez assured the public that a targeted response is in place and that there are enough quarantine facilities for those who will be infected with COVID-19.

“Gumawa po tayo ng sonic concept, so depende po sa area kung may mag-emerge na incident,” Galvez said.

Areas with COVID-19 cases, Galvez said, will be classified as critical area, containment area, buffer zone and outside buffer zone which are the economic centers.

“May designated containment area na po in coordination with LGUs. That way, we immediately address the affected area and balance it with the need to open the economy,” Galvez added.

The Philippines has registered 12,942 cases as of May 19. Of this number, 2,843 recovered while 837 died. —LDF, GMA News