Better days are here again?
Published Feb 26, 2022 12:05 am
Yes, if going by the recent recommendation of Metro Manila mayors to place the National Capital Region (NCR) under the least restrictive Alert Level 1 starting March 1, 2022. As other countries and cities abroad grapple with soaring new COVID cases, our country seems to be out of the danger zone with falling numbers of sick citizens and fewer ICU bed utilization.
The recommendation, signed by all NCR mayors, and concurred by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) OIC and general manager Romando Artes, has already been sent to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF). Artes noted that the positivity rate in NCR has already dropped to 4.64 percent, which is below the five percent standard of the World Health Organization.
In a statement, the MMDA cited data from the Department of Health (DOH) COVID-19 situationer in NCR as of Feb. 21, 2022, revealing that out of 17 Metro Manila LGUs, only one remains at moderate risk while the rest are already at low risk based on a two-week growth rate and average daily attack rate. MMDA believes that the LGUs are ready to implement the minimum health protocols prescribed under Alert Level 1.
With Alert Level 1 seemingly going back to a sense of normalcy, the MMDA is now even contemplating on the possibility of implementing a modified number coding scheme during rush hour in the morning. At present, number coding is implemented on weekdays, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., except holidays, and only covering private vehicles. With the build up of traffic in major roads and intersections because of the increasing volume of vehicles, the MMDA is now “studying to widen the coverage of the modified number coding scheme from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.” Vehicle owners have to wait for further announcements from the MMDA, but for some people, having traffic on the road is one “unwelcome” sign that we are going back to pre-pandemic conditions.
This, of course, is welcome news for the business sector as it has been calling for weeks to have NCR placed under Alert Level 1 beginning March 1. It is time, they say, to open all the remaining industries currently prohibited because of the pandemic. In a forum, Joey Concepcion, presidential adviser on entrepreneurship, extolled the merits of easing restrictions on the economy, “Open up every business out there that remains closed. We have a lot of catching up to do!”
This statement is also supported by the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, who said that the business sector is ready to open up as it has adapted to the new normal way of life. It, however, said that the Department of Transportation must ensure the safety of the commuting public. More businesses open means more workers going to work who use buses, trains, jeepneys, or the MRT/ LRT. The country doesn’t need another COVID breakout emanating from crowded transport terminals or packed buses filled with commuters.
Though there were trepidations from some groups who caution against this because of the campaign season filled with political rallies left and right, the general sentiment is one of consensus—considering all factors, NCR is ripe and ready for an Alert Level 1. Of course, use of face masks will be mandatory and if possible, physical distancing and other health protocols will still be observed. Each one of us must remember not to be complacent as the virus, invincible in form and mutating in character, is still out there, lurking somewhere in the air, ready to strike back when we forget to take caution.