Solon to gov't: Recalibrate pandemic measures as present protocols not responsive for COVID surge
AAMBIS-OWA party-list Representative Sharon Garin on Monday said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases as well as the Department of Health should recalibrate its measures in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.
It seems that the national government has not correctly managed the health crisis, noting that COVID-19 infections each day have already risen to more than 9,000, according to Garin.
"We cannot copy what we have done last year, we need to improve on it... so kung ako, IATF should recalibrate, the health response should be reassessed kasi parang, I mean I cannot confidently say na tama 'yung ginawa, there's something wrong there," Garin said in a virtual interview with reporters.
"We cannot have people wait for one year. So I think we need to reassess what we have done, IATF, DOH, even economic-wise... kailangan yata pag-isipan ulit kasi not that we did a terrible job but now we know it's not responsive for another surge," she added.
Still, a balance between the health of the people and the country's economy should always be considered, the lawmaker said.
"I think we are doing something wrong that is affecting our economy and maybe we need to find a balance between health and economy," Garin said.
Better info campaigns, readiness for surge
For Garin, one of the measures that need to be done by the government in battling the pandemic is to have a better information campaign against the disease.
"Education and campaign is very important for me, it has to be an emotional commitment of the people rather than fear and discipline. That’s why I always push for better campaigns ng DOH, instead na takutin nila 'yung tao," she said.
Garin also said checkpoints and curfews should not have to be enforced all the time.
"We just have to understand what's the reason behind that, simply because we love our country, we need to do these things for ourselves and for the rest of the community," she said.
Moreover, Garin said the government should ensure that hospitals and other medical facilities are prepared and equipped for the surge of infections.
"We have to be prepared for surge capacity. Surge or no surge, nandiyan ‘yan. We have to make sure habang naghihintay, hindi pa kaya ng mga hospitals natin, lockdown natin community, 'yung activity, para maka-cope up 'yung mga hospitals natin," she explained.
To curb the spike of the infections, the Philippine government once again decided to place Metro Manila and the provinces of Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite, and Rizal under the enhanced community quarantine from March 29 until April 4.
According to Garin, the ECQ will shut down at least 50% of NCR and affected provinces' economy.
She said a technical working group would discuss on Tuesday at least five proposed measures aiming to provide aid to Filipinos, especially the poor ones, amid the reimposition of the ECQ.
The Philippines has recorded 721,892 COVID-19 infections, of which 105,568 are active cases.
With the strictest form of quarantine, curfew hours is set from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. and only essential travels are allowed.
Public transportation is at 50% capacity to cater to essential workers.—AOL, GMA News