ON MARCH 16, 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte declared the entire Luzon area under an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) which effectively locked down and restricted the movement of people in response to the growing pandemic of Covid-19 in the country. Additional restrictions mandated the temporary closure of non-essential shops and businesses.
The quarantine was originally set to last until April 12, 2020, but upon recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), the ECQ was extended until April 30, 2020. It has since been extended until May 15, 2020 but only for Metro Manila, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon (except Aurora) as well as a smaller number of areas in the country that are still considered a high-risk for Covid-19. Low-risk to moderate-risk areas have already been placed under general community quarantine starting May 1.
Did the ECQ work to “flatten the curve?” If you ask me, my answer is a resounding yes. In fact, what scares me now is the possibility of starting the same thing over again because people are so excited to go out and live a “normal” life. Experts have warned that the “second wave,” (God forbid) will be deadlier. People have a short memory and easily forget that the basics of personal hygiene and physical distancing are the simplest and most effective means to stem the transmission of the virus. Remember that the virus will be here to stay and the fight is now up to us to adjust to a new normal to prevent being infected while preventing infecting others.
I’m certain a lot of people want the ECQ lifted after May 15 so that they can go back to work and go outside of their houses. Even government would want that. But it is not that simple. Lest we all forget, let me remind you of the precautionary measures that should already be second nature to each of us. Protect yourself and others around you by knowing the facts and taking appropriate precautions. Follow advice provided by your local public health agency. To prevent the spread of Covid-19: Clean your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub. Maintain a safe distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Always wear a face mask, especially while outdoors. Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
Cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, a cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention. Call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority. Avoiding unneeded visits to medical facilities allows healthcare systems to operate more effectively, therefore protecting you and others.
“The greatest compassion is the prevention of human suffering through patience, alertness, courage and kindness.” ~ Amit Ray
“Hyper-connected is used in the context of the Internet. Covid-19 shows we are hyper-connected in the physical world. Covid-19 is a wake-up call for the world to realize how dependent we are on each other. There will always be winners, but life doesn’t need to be a zero-sum game.” ~ Tom Golway
“Coming out of isolation will be like opening Christmas presents on Christmas Day. Just don’t be disappointed if you don’t get what you want.” ~ Anthony T. Hincks
“Wanting to help those who are helping us by doing their job, highlights the strength of humanity.” ~ Atul Satija, GiveIndia