Expert panel bats for ‘traffic light’ approach for AL systems
THE Advisory Council of Experts (ACE), a consultative group of private sector representatives, medical, and economic experts, proposes to the so-called “traffic light” approach for alert level (AL) systems.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Gonegosyo founder and ACE Convenor Jose Maria A. Concepcion emphasized that “the task of this process is to lay down the parameters of a transition strategy for a better normal, one that encourages economic activity and does not risk the public’s health.”
Concepcion stressed that the country cannot afford to impose lockdowns as manufacturers have been bearing the brunt of the recent price spikes. “We don’t want consumers to slow down their spending,” he added.
At the forefront of the suggestions at the initial meeting of the advisory council is simplifying the AL systems by adopting a “colorcoded,” traffic-light approach, explaining that the red-yellow-green means high-medium-low alert levels. Concepcion pointed out, “This system is already familiar to the public,” adding that the system is used in disaster risk management.
In relation to the parameters to be used for the AL system, the council recommended the use of two metrics: health-care utilization rates (HCUR), or the number of cases hospitalized due to Covid, and ADAR (average daily attack rate), or the number of infections per thousand people.
Further, the red-yellow-green alert levels will be determined per region, and will trigger specific restrictions for activity, including the wearing of face masks, but also on the regional level.
As the state of public health emergency lapses in September of this year, Concepcion noted, “Whether this will be extended or modified or suspended will determine our course of action. We need to plan now.”
The Go Negosyo founder highlighted the role of local government units (LGUS), saying that they should play a bigger role in pandemic management moving forward. “We don’t want to penalize the LGUS that have been doing a good job at vaccinating their population.”
Concepcion said that the details of the recommendations, once the consultations with the different industry chambers and the private sector are completed, would be shared with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.
Business leaders present during the initial meeting were George Barcelon, Michael Tan, Felix Ang and Cecilio Pedro, while members of the newly formed ACE provided the technical and medical expert advice.
Among the groups included in the consultation process are the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Philippine Franchise Association, Philippine Retailers Association, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce, Resto. PH, Federation of Filipino-chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, People Management Association of the Philippines, the Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc., Semiconductors and Electronic Industries in the Philippines Foundations Inc., the Asia Council of Small Business, and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.
For their part, medical experts from ACE have earlier warned that waning immunity and low booster rates still pose a threat of illness among the vulnerable population. It was earlier reported that immunity from Covid wanes faster than other viruses or microbial agents, and booster vaccinations are necessary, especially for those who are vulnerable and those with comorbidities.
ACE is composed of National Task Force Against Covid-19 Special Adviser Dr. Teddy Herbosa, Covid-19 Technical Working Group Chairperson Dr. Nina Gloriani, Vaccine Expert Panel member Dr. Rontgene Solante, Philippine College of Physicians President Dr. Maricar Limpin, Health Reform advocate Dr. Tony Leachon, Infectious Diseases Expert Dr. Benjamin Co, OCTA Research Fellows Prof. Ranjit Rye, Dr. Guido David and Fr. Nic Austriaco, Economist Romy Bernardo, and Go Negosyo Senior Adviser Josephine Romero.