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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Año brushes off claims lax health protocols leads to spike in COVID cases

Año brushes off claims lax health protocols leads to spike in COVID cases

Published Aug 26, 2021 07:14 am

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año fended off claims of laxity in the implementation of health and safety protocols that contributed to the spike of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) cases in the country.

Amid criticisms, Año defended the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the government in general stressing that health and safety protocols have been strictly enforced.

He reminded the public that authorized persons outside residence (APOR) are allowed outdoors with some businesses permitted to operate during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) periods.

“There are many APORS allowed (to leave their residences) like 700,000 people to get the ayuda (cash aid) and 200,000 people to get vaccinated every single day during the ECQ period,’’ Año said.

Año’s statement drew mixed reactions with most of them recognizing the efforts of the police officers assigned to man the checkpoints and are on patrol to maintain law and order that eventually took their toll on thousands of cops who got infected and succumbed to the virus.

Quezon City Barangay Quirino 2-B Kagawad (councilman) Pia Oreta insisted the undermanned police force are hard pressed to ensure public safety in the midst of trying times with COVID-19 Delta variant dangerously lurking in the environment.

“Imbis na bato ng bato ng mga puna at kondenahin ang pulis, ang mga tao dapat gawin ang kanilang ambag para maiwasan o mabagal ang pagkalat ng virus sa pamamagitan ng mga napakasimpleng bagay na manatili sa bahay, laging maging malinis at yung pag sunod sa tamang distansiya kung kailangang lumabas (Instead of hurling criticisms and condemning the police, people should do their share to prevent or slow down the transmission of the virus by observing the very basic stay-at-home, being hygienic at all times and social distancing policies when going out is essential),’’ Oreta said.

However, others still insisted that barangay tanods and some policemen are not up to the task of performing their duties in the midst of the pandemic as non APORS are out on the street during curfew hours.

“There are still people out on the streets even during curfew hours with some even buying liquor which is banned by some local government units (LGUs),’’ a retired government employee in Quezon City, who requested anonymity noted. (Chito A. Chavez)

Related Tags

mecq health and safety protocols ECQ covid-19 DILG Eduardo Año 2
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