Palace looks at easing measures
I am considering it actually. I might consider easing the restriction because there are two things that are really bugging us: It’s the economy and Covid-19
President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday said that he is reconsidering his decision to maintain the status quo of general community quarantine (GCQ) in Metro Manila following the arrival of the 600,000 doses of China-made vaccine.
“I am considering it actually. I might consider easing the restriction because there are two things that are really bugging us: It’s the economy and Covid-19. Our economy is really down, as in down,” Duterte said in a press conference at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.
Earlier, presidential spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque announced that Duterte decided to implement GCQ in the National Capital Region and nine other areas in the country for the whole month of March amid the continued threat of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
“Once the vaccine rollout starts, other vaccines would come in and will be distributed to the provinces. We will have a million by this month. If we can have about two million doses, I will open the economy. We are really affected,” Duterte added.
He said the government needs to open the economy as soon as possible.
“You know, people have to eat, people have to work, people have to pay for their upkeep. And the only way to do it is to open the economy and for businesses to regrow,” he said.
According to the President, it is possible to place the whole country under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) in March.
On the other hand, Duterte reiterated his stand against face-to-face classes.
“I cannot make that decision. It will place the children in jeopardy. I am not ready to lose the lives of our young people, our children. No,” he said.