How some LGUs choose communities for granular lockdowns

As the implementation of pilot testing of granular lockdowns starts on Sept. 8,  local government units in Metro Manila have crafted mechanisms for imposing lockdowns in selected areas.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez had proposed granular lockdowns instead of city-wide lockdowns to allow businesses to open as strictest forms of quarantine take a toll on the country's economy.

According to Mariz Umali's "24 Oras" report, Quezon City has already enforced granular lockdowns since the pandemic started, with over 50 areas under special concern lockdowns.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said the LGU would implement a lockdown at a residence if there is already one COVID-19 case.

She added that a street or community will be under lockdown if there is a superspreader event even as they have yet to record COVID-19 cases.

"Kahit na wala pang confirmed case pero may reported na superspreader event tulad ng party, inuman sa isang community, nilalockdown na natin preventibly," she said.

(Even if there are no confirmed cases, as long as there is a superspreader event in a community, we will enforce a lockdown to prevent COVID-19 transmission.)

Also, in Quezon City, P2,000 cash assistance was also being given to employees who could not go to work because they had to undergo quarantine.

In Caloocan, Mayor Oscar Malapitan said the LGU would immediately close down a street or building once there are already four to five cases.

He added that they could not close a whole village because a lot of workers would be affected.

"'Di puwedeng magbarangay lockdown. Maraming maiistorbo, 'yung nagtrabaho 'di makalabas. (We can't impose village lockdown. Many people will be affected and could not go outside.)," Malapitan said.

Even as granular lockdowns put LGUs in charge, the national government will still help by distributing family food packs.

For the remaining days of September, Metro Manila will be under general community quarantine (GCQ) despite the rise in COVID-19 cases. Localized or granular lockdowns would be imposed. -Consuelo Marquez/NB, GMA News