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'Haste makes waste': Expert urges gov't to retain Alert Level 1 until election day

Philippines | National

'Haste makes waste': Expert urges gov't to retain Alert Level 1 until election day

By Charie Mae F. Abarca

Reiterating that the Covid-19 pandemic is not yet over, health reform advocate and former National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 special adviser Dr. Anthony “Tony” Leachon said that it is best to retain the Alert Level 1 status and not de-escalate to Alert Level 0 yet until election day.

“The pandemic is not over. Alert Level 0 will trigger mobility which can lead to viral transmission particularly with the local election roll out this coming March 25,” Leachon told Manila Bulletin on Tuesday, March 15.

He likewise warned of Covid-19 variants that “could potentially cause” a surge in South Korea, Hong Kong, and Japan. These variants, according to Leachon, may reach the Philippines.

(Unsplash)

Moreover, the health expert said it is best to retain the Alert Level 1 status until May 9, 2022.

“It is better to retain Alert Level 1 in the National Capital Region (NCR), 38 other areas, other areas that can achieve Alert Level 1 status until election day due to potential super spreader events,” said Leachon.

Instead of downgrading the alert level, Leachon said that it is best to “capitalize on this period” to vaccinate senior citizens and children, as well as “boost up” the individuals that are eligible for the third vaccine dose.

“Haste makes waste. Let us not squander the gains of the last two years on a knee jerk reaction,” he reiterated.

Meanwhile, according to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Frisco San Juan Jr., all Metro Manila mayors have agreed to recommend the de-escalation of NCR from Alert Level 1 to Alert Level 0.

The country’s pandemic task force is also expected to announce the updated alert level scheme in the country on Tuesday, March 15.

Related Tags

alert level 0 covid-19 Dr. Tony Leachon Alert Level 1

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