‘Lifting of lockdowns dangerous’

The head of adult infectious disease at the San Lazaro Hospital on Wednesday warned against calls for the lifting of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdowns across the country as he urged the public to take preventive health measures.

This comes after Concerned Doctors and Citizens of the Philippines (CDC-PH) last week launched the #FlattenTheFear campaign, which urges government to end lockdowns and promote intake of proper nutrition to boost one’s immune system.

Infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante stressed that lifting of virus restrictions should only be implemented once there is a “significant drop” in COVID-19 cases.

“It’s really dangerous to look at it that when you lift the lockdown and take vitamins, prophylaxis. You have that false belief that when you’re taking these drugs you’ll have less harm against the virus,” said Solante in a television interview.

“It’s very dangerous. Premature lifting of the lockdown and taking the prophylaxis, you are facing two very dangerous interventions here that has not been proven at this point when our cases are still ongoing,” he added.

Solante also noted that while there is “nothing wrong” with taking vitamins and getting exercise to boost one’s immune system, the public should still maximize and keep the protocol, wear masks, face shield and keep distance.

He also said hydroxychloroquine has not been proven effective both as treatment or prophylaxis (preventive measure) against COVID-19, contrary to the doctors’ group recommendation.