Remove all hindrances

The government finally took action. "NCR plus" comprising Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, and Cavite has been placed under a stricter GCQ until the end of Holy Week on April 4. Sort of like a virtual bubble. Under this measure, travel in and out of the bubble is restricted unless necessary, like for essential workers, frontliners, those with medical reasons, and the like. Holy Week vacations will have to be canceled surely to the dismay of tourist spots. Staycation will be allowed in authorized hotels if you must get out of the house. Multiple gatherings are prohibited. Only weddings, baptisms, and funerals for up to 10 people are allowed. Indoor dining will not be allowed, only take-out and deliveries. If outdoor dining is available then well and good. Museums, spas, gyms, internet cafes, cinemas, and entertainment arcades will be required to close. Offices up to 50% capacity will be allowed. Work from home is encouraged.

The government expects these measures to see a reduction of 25% in the number of cases, which have tallied more than 8,000 for several days, setting new records. The Palace assured a stricter ECQ will not be repeated but at the same time stating the government can no longer provide aid. "Everyone can earn a living", according to the Palace. Easier said than done.

The DOH was criticized for wanting to ban certain industries that are allegedly contrary to public health such as cigarettes, alcohol, and infant milk from purchasing vaccines on their own. I don't understand this line of thinking. The target is to vaccinate 70 million people to achieve herd immunity. But how many have been vaccinated? How can this goal be achieved if the entry of vaccines seems to be controlled? The Philippines is lagging behind other countries in vaccinating their citizens. It cannot be said that supply is a problem if other underdeveloped countries can procure them.

The controversial provision has been removed from the draft but there is still a provision requiring companies to donate half of whatever vaccines they acquire to the government. Supposedly this provision is being studied if it should be removed. Definitely. I don't know why the government wants their hand on everything vaccine-related. It's bureaucratic red tape at a time of a pandemic. Why would private companies be required to donate half of what they can buy? Didn't this government secure billions in loans for the sole purpose of procuring vaccines? All hindrances to getting vaccines into the country must be removed. It is evident government cannot handle a vaccine rollout on its own. They should adopt a "more hands make light work" attitude and not put up roadblocks. If the government wants the economy to get going and at the same time can no longer provide aid, then it must remove all hindrances to vaccine acquisition by anyone. If they allowed the PSG to be vaccinated even if it broke laws then why hinder those who want to bring them in legally?