In order to control covid-19 spread, the Philippines is planning to downsizing lockdowns in villages from regions, as it balances further reopening its economy with stemming the virus outbreak. Carlito Galvez, chief implementer of the nation’s policies to stem the outbreak, said “We will lock down villages with coronavirus cases so that we can preserve economic activity.”
In the same briefing President Rodrigo Duterte said said the stricter curbs may be brought back should a second wave of infections occur. The government prepares for the arrival of more returning overseas workers. Malls and some businesses have been allowed to open in the capital since May 16.
The government is considering the gradual lifting of restrictions with strategies adopted in other countries as governments remain wary of the risk of a resurgence in infections. In the Philippines, confirmed cases of the virus were at 13,221.
About 42,000 Filipino migrant workers are set to come back to home until June, which might overwhelm the nation’s quarantine facilities, Galvez said. aAlso, over 27,000 repatriated workers are staying at isolation centers in the capital.
The Philippines is witnessing the second wave of coronavirus infection since March, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said at a virtual Senate hearing. The first wave started in January, when three Chinese tourists tested positive for the virus, and was short and shallow, he said. That was then followed by a “spike” in epidemic curve, he added.