DTI's Lopez: Granular lockdown better approach for economy

Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez said Saturday that a granular lockdown is much desirable for the economy, but he pointed out that the DTI will fully support whatever quarantine classification will be approved by the President next.

In an interview over Super Radyo dzBB, Lopez said, “the DTI is in support sa anumang susunod na quarantine status na parang granular lockdown.”

“Dalawang bagay lang maging ECQ o GCQ at ang pangkalahatan ay maging GCQ  at magkakaroon lamang ng levels 1,2,3,4…” (There are only two possibilities either enhanced community quarantine or general community quarantine with granular approach), he said.

The good thing with granular lockdown is, some businesses will be able to operate, which will be scaled depending on the specified level, and not a big area will be shutdown.

If the lockdown is very specific, other parts of the area will be allowed to open businesses according to their specific level.

“Sa granular lockdown, pabayaang magbukas ang mga negosyo ayon sa mga guideline, pero ang ibig sabihin ay either under levels 1,2,or 3 pa rin sila, may paghihigpit pa rin. Hindi totally bukas kasi never naman natin pinag-usapan na totally back to normal na tayo,” he pointed out.

Establishments – for outdoor, personal care, dine-in gathering – will still be subject to capacity restrictions, and of course, health protocols like the wearing of face mask, face shield, social distancing, ventilation, among others will be continuously observed.

When Metro Manila and other areas were reverted to ECQ, Lopez said that granular lockdown should be considered for the metropolis upon the expiry of the strictest lockdown.

He said the approach will better prepare the government to balance the economy and livelihoods to health risks arising from the surge in COVID-19 cases due to the threat of the more contagious Delta variant.

Early in August, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) also said that the Philippine economy will bleed to the tune of P150 billion per week under the strictest enhanced community quarantine. —LBG, GMA News