EDITORIAL - Longer quarantine

As most people expected, Metro Manila remains under general community quarantine in the latest classifications announced by Malacañang Wednesday night. Cebu City, previously reverted to the strictest enhanced community quarantine, has been eased into a modified ECQ, allowing the resumption of certain economic activities.

In many other parts of the country, quarantine restrictions are being eased, prompting some quarters to suggest the holding of face-to-face classes in areas with zero cases of coronavirus disease 2019. Restrictions, however, remain in place throughout the country as the COVID-19 threat persists in the absence of a cure or vaccine.

Officials disclosed that President Duterte had initially agreed to revert Metro Manila to a tighter quarantine classification as COVID-19 cases surge. But other officials, worried about the ruinous impact on the economy, reportedly prevailed as Metro mayors gave assurance that localized lockdowns would instead be imposed in areas where a spike in COVID infections is reported.

The country has now imposed one of the longest COVID lockdowns in the world. Inevitably, those who have suffered from the restrictions are asking if the community quarantines have been maximized to reduce the risk of coexisting or “dancing” with the coronavirus. The secretary of health had to correct himself and clarify that the COVID curve had been “bent” but has yet to be flattened.

After four months of economically crippling lockdowns, the government still needs to ramp up capabilities for COVID testing, contact tracing, isolation and treatment. Hospitals are running out of facilities for COVID patients. With the economy reopening, it becomes even more important for people to observe basic health safety protocols: wear a mask in public places, wash hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol or sanitizer, observe physical distancing as well as cough and sneeze etiquette. If we want our sacrifices in the past four months to be worth it, we all have to do our part.