NEDA chief skeptical reopened economy caused COVID-19 surge

It was unlikely that the reopening of the economy in October had caused the surge of new COVID-19 cases this month, the head of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said Tuesday.

In a virtual briefing, Acting NEDA Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said the rise in COVID-19 cases only came in March, five months after the economy was reopened and quarantine restrictions were eased.

"After five months of partial opening, we did not see an increase in cases so I do not think it is the main reason or a reason why cases increased starting March," he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

"That is my first message, let us look at the data," said Chua, who in February called for a further reopening of the economy.

The government in October decided to ease restrictions and increased the allowed capacity in public transport and establishments, as well as the age restrictions that were in place.

The surge in the number of COVID-19 cases was recorded in March, with the country recording its highest daily tally of 8,000 since the pandemic started.

The Philippines on Tuesday reported 5,867 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 to bring the total to 677,653. This includes 86,200 active cases; 578,461 recoveries; and 12,292 deaths.

Earlier this month, economic managers including Chua pushed for the further reopening of the economy despite the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.

Signed by Chua, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, and Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado, the statement was released by the economic managers after the government reported that unemployed Filipinos rose by 1.6 million in January.

Chua in January said Filipino families lost P1.4 trillion in 2020 due to lockdown restrictions, equivalent to P2.8 billion daily spending power lost. — DVM, GMA News