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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Speaker Velasco backs call for alert level downgrade in Metro Manila

Speaker Velasco backs call for alert level downgrade in Metro Manila

Published Nov 3, 2021 10:46 am

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco has called on government to downgrade from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2 the lockdown status of the National Capital Region as COVID-19 infections have started to wane.

Crowd at flea market

In a press statement, Velasco said he fully supports proposals to ease the COVID -19 restrictions in order to trigger “broader reopening of the economy.”

Several Metro Manila local executiveshave been batting for an Alert Level 2 status for the NCR due to decline in COVID infection.

The OCTA Research, which is being investigated by the Lower House, has also recommended the easing of community restrictions.

On Wednesday, Nov. 3, government lifted curfew restrictions over the area.

“Downgrading Metro Manila’s lockdown restrictions to Alert Level 2 would mean that more businesses will resume operations and operate at increased capacity, thus allowing more Filipinos to regain their jobs and income,” said Velasco.

“The government’s aggressive vaccination campaign has given us ample protection against a possible surge in COVID-19 cases. Around 80 percent of NCR residents have been fully vaccinated, and 96 percent have received their first dose,” he explained.

According to the House leader the data gives the confidence for the reopening of the economy by allowing businesses to resume.

“Lowering the alert level in NCR as soon as possible could jumpstart the economy with increased consumer spending encouraging increase in production and economic activity, thereby bringing about employment opportunities for our kababayans. We can see this happening as the holiday season draws near,” said Velasco.

He also urged the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases “to check the effectivity or efficiency of each brand of COVID-19 vaccines so as to give notice to our kababayans when they need to get a booster or get another round of vaccine.” “We also urge those who have yet to be inoculated to avail of the vaccines procured by the national government,” said Velasco.

He stressed that it is only through vaccination that better public health can be assured.

“Until then, let us continue to abide by the minimum health standards set by medical and science experts, such as wearing of face mask and maintaining physical distancing, for us to stay safe during the health crisis,” said Velasco.

Related Tags

covid-19 vaccination program National Capital Region Alert Level 2 Speaker Lord Allan Velasco
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