Villar supports easing of quarantine measures in Metro Manila low risk areas

Sen. Cynthia Villar has added her voice to the growing support for the proposal to place parts of Metro Manila under general community quarantine after May 15.

Villar said the Metro Manila Council and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases should consider the lifting of enhanced community quarantine especially in localities identified as low and moderate risk in terms of number of COVID-19 cases.

"I agree that we should start re-opening the economy and begin the implementation of new normal measures in Metro Manila areas that have been successful in keeping their COVID-19 cases under control," Villar said.

The senator also added that the prolonged ECQ is already taking its toll on the economy and employment situation in the country and causing distress among workers and their families. "We all know that the government cannot provide assistance to everybody affected by this public health emergency. We should now start re-opening the economy with health protocols such as the use of face masks and the practice of social distancing strictly implemented," Villar said.

Earlier, Villar recommended the return of workers in labor-intensive sectors such as construction, manufacturing and agriculture.

As of May 8, 2020, Metro Manila areas which have the lowest number of cases per 100,000 population are: Caloocan (14.5), Navotas (14.9), Malabon (15), Valenzuela (17.1), Marikina (28.1), Las Pinas (32.6), Muntinlupa (32.9), Taguig (33.2), and Pateros (33.8)

"By now, places where COVID-19 cases are concentrated are already identified by the local government. Strict quarantine measures will continue to be implemented here while quarantine measures can be eased in low-risk areas," Villar said.

The Nacionalista Party senator also said that "the prospect for the reopening of the economy and easing of quarantine measures is bright now that we have big quarantine facilities and improved testing capacities."