Gatchalian bats for 'strict LGU-led localized lockdowns' amid surge in COVID-19 cases

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is proposing to implement strict localized lockdowns to be led by local government units (LGUs) amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the country. 

In a tweet on Monday, Gatchalian listed down his five suggestions on how to stop the further spread of COVID-19.

For one, he said there should be "strict LGU-led localized lockdowns," saying that an enhanced community quarantine is "painful."

He added that there should be "no gatherings whatsoever," adding that he would not even allow 10 persons to attend a gathering.

At the same time, Gatchalian suggested that cities in Metro Manila should have their own polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing labs.

He added that there should be no home quarantines as other members of the family might get infected.

Lastly, the senator pointed out the need for "vaccine, vaccine, vaccine."

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases on Sunday endorsed the implementation of new COVID-19 restrictions amid the rising COVID-19 cases in the country.

Among these new regulations is the banning of non-essential travel into and from Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite, and Laguna beginning March 22 until April 4.

Senator Joel Villanueva, however, said these "new rules" should be conveyed clearly and carried with compassion.

He suggested, for one, that checkpoints be made as comfort stations for health and economic frontliners. He also said morning runs and midnight express should be implemented to provide free rides for essential workers.

At the same time, Villanueva said the government should roll out an emergency job program for those whose livelihoods may be affected by the new regulations. This, he said, would serve as "work-for-food employment."

Lastly, the senator reiterated his call to ramp up the vaccination program.

"Vaccines are perishable items with short expiry dates. In this war, every shot counts. If there are vaccines about to go stale, there should be a Plan B to cover next-tier willing takers," he said.

On Sunday, the Philippines recorded a total of 7,757 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total tally of cases to 663,794.

This was the third consecutive day when more than 7,000 cases were reported. —KG, GMA News