Imposing a pandemic lockdown is an option the government hates to take but must do it for the sake of public health, President Duterte admitted Monday, April 12.
(KING RODRIGUEZ / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)
The President explained that the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) implemented in Metro Manila and other areas was necessary to limit movement and curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal have been placed under MECQ, the second-highest of the four quarantine classifications, from April 12 to April 30, 2021 to keep the coronavirus numbers down and health systems operating. The MECQ rules included a stay-at-home rule except for going to work and getting essential needs as well as limited mass gatherings and business operations.
These five places, collectively known as National Capital Region Plus, were previously under a two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the most restrictive of the risk classifications, due to the rapid surge in coronavirus cases.
Other areas placed under MECQ until the end of the month are Santiago City, Quirino, and Abra.
"So mga kaibigan ko, kailangan ninyong maniwala na hindi dahil sa ano, hindi dahil sa gusto namin na ma-MECQ kayo, ECQ kayo o ipresuhin kayo lahat (My friends, you must believe that it's not that we want to place you under MECQ, ECQ or imprison all of you)," the President said in a televised address Monday, April 12.
"Much as we hate it actually doing it, we have to because on our shoulders for the --- on our shoulders for the … of the grave responsibility of seeing to it that the nation is safe," he said.
Duterte said he and other Cabinet officials were not doctors but carry the responsibility to serve and protect the people.
He also renewed his appeal to the public to follow health precautions, especially wearing a mask and physical distancing. "Those are the things that would really greatly help you in your quest for a healthy life. At this time, that is really a must for everybody," he said.
The country has endured an alarming increase in coronavirus cases in recent days, prompting authorities to impose lockdown measures to slow down the transmission. As of April 12, the country has recorded 878,225 with 15,149 deaths.
The government has stepped up testing, tracing, and isolation efforts in a bid to suppress the case spike in some parts of the country. The government’s free inoculation drive is also ongoing with health workers, seniors, and those with comorbidities given priority.
The President however has warned of country’s vaccine shortage given the world’s scarce supply.