Lacson seeks proactive leadership, cooperation vs. resurgent COVID-19

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Sunday said a proactive leadership, Filipinos' cooperation, and a science-based approach will prevent a new surge of COVID-19 infections from hurting the country's health system and economy.

In a statement, Lacson said "authorities should adopt a data-driven approach in dealing with the pandemic."

He cited the "proactive move" of Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla to reactivate the provincial Center for Disease Control, and the governor's move to consult mayors to upgrade the alert level as the threat of Omicron may cause a spike in cases.

"Governor Remulla leads the way. He is reactivating the provincial Center for Disease Control and consulting the mayors to upgrade the alert level. An upsurge from 5 to 100 CoViD cases per day needs proactive leadership and action. He has both," presidential aspirant Sen. Lacson said.

However, not only authorities but also the public must do their part in complying with health protocols, Lacson pointed out.

"Just like that, we’re back to 30% indoor and 50% outdoor. Cooperation with science is key," he added. 

Lacson also urged that additional measures must be imposed to stop violators of mandatory quarantine such as the incident involving a woman who arrived from United States and skipped five-day quarantine. 

"Just when we thought we were ready to move on and not worry about COVID-19, here we are again, bothered by impending health and economic woes, when we know there are hardly any tradeoffs between the two. Among others, that girl who skipped quarantine and partied must be prosecuted," he said.

On Saturday. To date, the Philippines posted 3,617 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the total tally to 2,847,486. Of the total caseload, 51,545 deaths, and 2,778,567 recoveries. 

A total of 10 infections of the Omicron coronavirus variant, including three local cases, were reported by the Department of Health. The country's health agency also said there could be a high possibility that there could already be a local transmission. —LBG, GMA News