Task force vs COVID-19 says changing people’s behavior can help economy recover

October 8, 2020

The National Task Force against COVID-19 on Thursday said changing people’s behavior can help the economy recover after months of lockdown due to the pandemic threat.

As they prepare for the “new normal”, NTF chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr said in a press briefing that they are conductinga  massive information drive.

“What is important is self-awareness for protection… If they are aware (on how to protect themselves), they can go out with confidence that they will not be infected by the virus,” Galvez said.

“The most important is changing of the behavior… The spike (of) virus (infection) is not because we open the economy but (because of) the consciousness of the people. The lack of safety of the people,” he added.

Galvez said Trade secretary Ramon Lopez is eyeing on opening up business ''so people can have the capacity to buy their commodities.''

“Our economic areas that will greatly affect our economic gains and have impact on employment will be opened,” he said.

Galvez said they continue to cooperate with the private sector so  they can tell the public to go out but they should follow minimum health standard.

Citing Metro Manila, which is still under the general community quarantine, as an example, Galvez said they are coordinating with Lopez  on opening the economy.

“They (DTI) are opening up the economy little by little in a controlled manner,” he said.

Galvez said that they are under phase three of their national action plan.

Galvez said during this phase, they assure the public that there will be no more trade-offs.

“Phase 3 will be our transition plan to the new normal from the last quarter of this year rolling down the road towards the first quarter of 2021… It is anchored on effective risk management in managing our health risk while we are opening our economy and learn to live with the virus until the vaccine is available,” he said.

Galvez said “granular lockdown” will be implemented in areas with a sudden increase of COVID-19 cases instead of “draconian lockdown”.

“Nationwide ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) is not sustainable,” Galvez said.

Granular lockdown is implemented in a sitio, purok or barangay, instead of an entire city or province. Ella Dionisio/DMS