The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) estimated that the two-week Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila and four provinces, also known as NCR Plus, would shave off 0.8 percentage points from economic growth this year.
The Neda said the most stringent quarantine status would result in
the loss of 252,000 jobs, income loss of P30 billion, and send 102,000 more Filipinos into poverty.
However, Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said the ECQ would avert an additional 323,262 COVID-19 cases, of which 9,698 are considered severe and critical.
“Between March 31 to May 15, 2021, an additional week of ECQ is estimated to help avert 215,320 cases, of which 6,460 are severe and critical. We can also prevent 4,026 COVID-19 deaths,” Chua added.
Chua called for a more intensified implementation of the Prevent, Detect, Isolate, Treat, and Recover (PDITR) strategy to maximize the two-week ECQ.
He noted that the PDITR strategy worked between August 2020 and February 2021 when the country was able to reduce cases to below 2,000 per day, which allowed for the gradual opening of the economy.
However, Chua said with the new variants, the implementation of the PDITR strategy needs to be further intensified.
“It is crucial for all of us to take advantage of this period to increase the effectiveness of the ECQ by further enhancing the implementation of the PDITR strategy. Containing the virus starts from one’s self,” Chua said.
“By washing hands frequently, wearing masks even at home, staying at home during ECQ, and practicing social distancing when outside to buy essential goods, we can all help contain the virus,” he added.
He added that on the part of the government, the following key interventions will be pursued such as increasing and improving the health systems capacity and communication strategy.
Chua added there is also a need to accelerate vaccine deployment for the vulnerable sectors; and lastly, ensure that all sectors are equipped with the skills to transition to the new normal.
Image credits: Roy Domingo