As much as 200,000 workers would be out of work and P200 million in economic losses as the National Capital Region returns to stricter health restrictions on rising COVID-cases in the capital.
Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez noted during the Laging Handa Public Briefing that the estimated job losses could be 100,000 to 200,000 and potential economic loss of P200 million. Lopez said the estimate is similar to the November 2021 period when the NCR was placed under Level 3 Alert system from Level 2.
Lopez, however, downplayed the economic impact stressing that most sectors are still open except that they are operating at reduced capacities from 70 percent to 50 percent for outdoor dine in and from 50 percent to 30 percent for indoor dine-in. Establishments with Safety Seal are also allowed additional 10 percent capacity.
Practically all micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are allowed to operate and only few sectors are banned during the Alert Level 3, which will run up to Jan. 15. Even cinemas and gyms are allowed to operate at lower capacities.
In terms of violations, the trade chief said that establishments are given a stern warning to require customers for indoor dining to present their vaccination cards and not just rely on their claims.
He, however, stressed the need to study and observe if daily hospitalization and ICU utilization have increased because if the rates have not gone up, “it should give us confidence to go back to Level 2 so that more MSMEs can reopen and more jobs are created.”
In addition, Lopez said that along with NEDA they are proposing a review of protocols on minors or the mobility of below 18 years old, especially for vaccinated minors. Under Level 3, minors are not allowed outside of their homes, unless for essential purposes only.
Lopez said that this age bracket has huge contribution to the economy also. Thus, the need to review protocols as government and people have learned to manage the virus.
Meanwhile, Lopez supported the move of the Metro Manila Mayors to limit the movement of unvaccinated persons to protect them from the virus and give more privilege to the vaccinated. He urged those unvaccinated to get their doses already because there is abundant supply of vaccines in the country.
Lopez also assured there is enough supply of medicines, particularly paracetamol. In fact, he pointed out that even during the surge of COVID-cases, the country never ran out of supply of medical oxygen.
For the Typhoon Odette-hit areas, Lopez reported that DTI together with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Philippine National Police they have already apprehended 69 establishments for overpricing as of Dec. 30.