"This is a crisis unlike any other our nation has expected. But we are resilient. And we will prevail."
"This is a crisis unlike any other our nation has expected. But we are resilient. And we will prevail."
More than a month has passed since our government implemented the enhanced community quarantine. We are all feeling the consequences of the lockdown, the downsizing of production and manufacturing, stoppage of income-generating activities for many, and disruption in the delivery of goods and services.
The Department of Health has recorded more than six thousand COVID-19 cases. At the current rate, we see that recoveries start to outnumber deaths. While we consider this progress, we have yet to see the flattening of the curve in the country. The quarantine has relatively prevented massive spread of the virus. However, we are now at a crossroad. As the economic impact of the lockdown becomes palpable, we are now faced with the question—do we continue or lift the ECQ?
We all strive for stability. We are also aware that the virus will remain even if the ECQ is lifted. When and how to resume life, as we will know it post-COVID, is like being between the devil and the deep blue sea. Perhaps we can seek assurance that COVID-19 is effectively contained and the risks of transmission are significantly reduced in order for us to start anew.
We can take a closer look at the implementation of mass testing and the possible issuance of certification from DOH-accredited testing centers that a person is COVID-free as of date of testing. With mass testing in COVID-stricken areas, we will be able to isolate cases in quarantine facilities and allow those without risks or contact with such positive cases to cautiously return to work. This will allow people to continue with their employment and other economic activities without fear of getting infected. This will also facilitate the gradual resumption of businesses, manufacturing, and mobilization of essential goods and services, and eventually, prevent or mitigate economic recession.
In the long run, testing people for COVID will lead to better management of risks of community transmission. Hence, I seek the help of the Department of Health in expanding testing in as many areas as possible, especially those where industrial and economic zones are located. I urge our health and economic managers to look into this proposal as we find solutions to defeat the looming dangers of COVID without putting our country to multiple adversities which are hard to recover from.
The University of the Philippines-National Institutes of Health shall be distributing its test kits soon. Hopefully, with the availability of locally-made test kits, more testing centers will be established by the government to hasten and expand mass testing in the country. The Quezon Provincial Government is working on establishing additional facilities for COVID. At present, the Quezon Medical Center and its staff is equipped and able to handle COVID patients in the province. It is with high hopes that as test kits are rolled out, the local government units will also be able to conduct mass testing in these facilities.
It is inevitable for the public to worry as we continue with restricted movement and limited resources. I hope that the national government supports the expansion of COVID testing to help ease public anxiety. As we await the decision of the Executive on the lockdown, whatever religious group you may belong to, I ask that we join in praying for our country, for our health care workers, and for those afflicted with the ill effects of COVID-19. For Catholics, we can recite the rosary, pray the Oratio Imperata, and ask for the Lord’s protection as we all go through the hard times.
This is a crisis unlike any other our nation has expected. But we are resilient. And we will prevail.