Giving 2-3 days before imposing ban to travel to and from NCR might defeat the intent of the quarantine to contain spread of COVID-19 infection if we see massive exodus out of NCR. I think this is a mistake that government has done. I was rushing home last night expecting the travel ban to be imposed midnight last night. I sincerely hope I am wrong that massive exodus will not happen; including those who may already have the infection regardless if they are showing symptoms for this or not. With this mistake, it is NOW upon the citizens to exercise responsibility where government may be failing.
I call on everyone in NCR not to exodus back to their respective provinces in the next 2-3 days especially if you are showing symptoms already. If you are, report to the nearest public health center or hospital to get tested (free) and get the medical attention you need. The quarantine is meant to contain. Do not spread it due to panic. CALM DOWN and be RESPONSIBLE!
I think the reason why there is so much global hype on COVID-19 is because those in authority who have more information than the rest of us probably know this could have been a product of a bioweapon development gone wrong rather than natural transmission. The slowdown in production, consumption & travel is good for the environment. But our humanity will be tested. Our right to survive as a species; as in the case of the impacts of the climate emergency will be tested here. That is; if indeed the COVID-19 threat is as REAL as it is being presented. If NOT, and we end up having a new vaccine developed by some multinational company, earning a hefty PROFIT from it driven by our fear, then RESIST WE MUST. We should focus our attention in communicating the importance of a healthy lifestyle and exposure to nature that builds our immune system to eventually fight this viral infection; just like how countless others in the past, human beings have survived from and adopted to. We should avoid creating panic, sharing unconfirmed reports, and any and all actions that will discriminate anyone and any group of peoples as a reaction to this problem.
What should have been emphasized more last night when this "NCR lockdown" for so many millions of Filipinos was announced by a truly responsible government. If government is unable, citizens MUST find a way:
(1) Clean water will be sufficient. State control over private managers of water will be imposed if they are unable or unwilling to ensure this.
(2) Food security (accessibility, availability) will not be compromised. The state will ensure supply to continue to flow to NCR and price control will be imposed.
(3) Salaries, wages & payment for services will continue despite the need to stay home especially for those affected by "no work no pay practices". The state will exercise its power over private employers to make sure of this,. Incentives & recognition will be given to those who will ensure on their own. Violators will be taken over by the state to impose continuity of salaries, wages and payment for services
(4) There is ENOUGH MONEY from public funds to do all of these. All legal means will be done to make sure of it.
I am happy the state announced that all COVID-19 testing will be for FREE. This must now be COMMUNICATED WIDELY at the Barangay levels in the next 24 hours. Roving PA systems must be mobilized. Treatment MUST ALSO BE FREE amidst this public health issue.
Emphasis to police, military to impose PEACE & ORDER and the cancellation of mass gatherings of any sort is important, but should not have been the focus. That is already a given. I am however appreciative of the message that they are OUR military and OUR police and the fight is not against each other but the virus. Any action contrary to this we must resist.
I appreciate the recognition that the PUBLIC HEALTH sector is now in charge. Science and rationality over politics. I want to see more active leadership of DoH over everything else in the executive branch of government now.
I think the reason why there is so much global hype on COVID-19 is because those in authority who have more information than the rest of us probably know this could have been a product of a bioweapon development gone wrong rather than natural transmission. The slowdown in production, consumption & travel is good for the environment. But our humanity will be tested. Our right to survive as a species; as in the case of the impacts of the climate emergency will be tested here. That is; if indeed the COVID-19 threat is as REAL as it is being presented. If NOT, and we end up having a new vaccine developed by some multinational company, earning a hefty PROFIT from it driven by our fear, then RESIST WE MUST. We should focus our attention in communicating the importance of a healthy lifestyle and exposure to nature that builds our immune system to eventually fight this viral infection; just like how countless others in the past, human beings have survived from and adopted to. We should avoid creating panic, sharing unconfirmed reports, and any and all actions that will discriminate anyone and any group of peoples as a reaction to this problem.
What should have been emphasized more last night when this "NCR lockdown" for so many millions of Filipinos was announced by a truly responsible government. If government is unable, citizens MUST find a way:
(1) Clean water will be sufficient. State control over private managers of water will be imposed if they are unable or unwilling to ensure this.
(2) Food security (accessibility, availability) will not be compromised. The state will ensure supply to continue to flow to NCR and price control will be imposed.
(3) Salaries, wages & payment for services will continue despite the need to stay home especially for those affected by "no work no pay practices". The state will exercise its power over private employers to make sure of this,. Incentives & recognition will be given to those who will ensure on their own. Violators will be taken over by the state to impose continuity of salaries, wages and payment for services
(4) There is ENOUGH MONEY from public funds to do all of these. All legal means will be done to make sure of it.
I am happy the state announced that all COVID-19 testing will be for FREE. This must now be COMMUNICATED WIDELY at the Barangay levels in the next 24 hours. Roving PA systems must be mobilized. Treatment MUST ALSO BE FREE amidst this public health issue.
Emphasis to police, military to impose PEACE & ORDER and the cancellation of mass gatherings of any sort is important, but should not have been the focus. That is already a given. I am however appreciative of the message that they are OUR military and OUR police and the fight is not against each other but the virus. Any action contrary to this we must resist.
I appreciate the recognition that the PUBLIC HEALTH sector is now in charge. Science and rationality over politics. I want to see more active leadership of DoH over everything else in the executive branch of government now.