Extension or downgrading?

As another ECQ deadline in Metro Manila looms, talks have begun once more if it is to be extended or downgraded to the General Community Quarantine (GCQ). Most of the mayors of the Metro Manila Council (MMC) are considering extending the May 15 deadline to May 30. This is their recommendation to the IATF-EID which in turn will recommend it to President Duterte who will make a decision.

But for Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, she would prefer a transition period in the city before being downgraded to a GCQ to give a chance at revitalizing the local economy. If implemented, establishments would have to strictly adhere to the new norm, as it were. Employers should monitor the health of its employees regularly, have shorter hours and have a day put aside for total disinfection of the area. This is in addition to social distancing and frequent washing or disinfecting of hands. Face masks are obligatory and not negotiable. As to how all these can be monitored I have yet to see. Quezon City is the largest city in Metro Manila and is the most populated at almost three million people. That's a lot of ground to cover. Imagine if even 10% were to go out. One person alone can start infecting a good number of them.

According to the DOH, there has been a flattening of the curve in the country. But it is not a reason to be complacent or to celebrate. The virus has not disappeared. It's always looking for someone to attach to and infect. In Seoul, clubs and bars were ordered closed after a surge of new cases might initiate a "second wave" of infections. They were one of the first countries to seem to have placed COVID-19 under control, but after the entry of migrant workers, a spike in their curve occurred. Shanghai Disneyland is set to reopen. I think that's a mistake. Too early for people to jam-pack an amusement park like that. Physical distancing will be impossible.

I think people are still cautious about going out because should a GCQ be declared, more people will venture out of their homes. There is no question everybody is suffering from quarantine fatigue, but catching the virus is something many are not willing to risk. A second wave is indeed possible if people start thinking everything is back to normal. Four million have been infected worldwide according to one tally. There is still no vaccine against SARS-Cov-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The virus still poses a credible threat. A world leader confidently stated a vaccine will be available by the end of the year. That's quite a pronouncement. Of course, this is the same leader who asked if Lysol could be infused into the body to kill the virus.

I'm not holding my breath.