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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte speaks with the people after holding a meeting with key members of the Interagency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on February 15, 2021. JOEY DALUMPINES / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – President Duterte remains wary of allowing face-to-face classes to resume amid the Covid-19 pandemic due to health concerns, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said Monday.
“President Duterte himself still hesitates and does not want to allow face-to-face classes first. The weather still looks dangerous. The president is afraid because, according to him, we are dealing with life here, “Go said in a statement.
(President Duterte himself is wary of allowing face-to-face classes now. He said it is still dangerous. The president is concerned because, according to him, we are dealing with life here.)
“It can be at the next regular opening of the school year in July or when it’s safe,” Go added.
(Face-to-face classes may resume at the next regular school opening in July or when it is safe.)
President. he is expected to decide on proposals to place the entire nation under the less stringent modified general community quarantine by Monday.
Senator Bong Go
Limited base
Duterte, however, allowed the resumption of limited face-to-face classes for medical and related health programs last month at institutions located in general community quarantine (GCQ) and MGCQ areas.
This week, Duterte is expected to decide on the recommendation of the National Economic Development and Development Authority (NEDA) to place the entire country under MGCQ.
‘Vaccination first’
Go argued that the government should start its inoculation program first before easing quarantine measures.
“I appeal to our authorities: launch the vaccine first before MGCQ. No vaccine, no face-to-face classes, ”said the senator.
File photo of the INQUIRER / JAM STA. ROSE
“As we do everything we can to get back to normal and jumpstart the economy, let’s first make sure our people’s lives are protected. Throughout this pandemic, we have lost lives and we cannot afford to lose more, ”he said.
NEDA proposal
NEDA had recommended a national MGCQ to stimulate more economic activity in the country.
Nine of the 17 mayors of Metro Manila supported the proposal, along with the Interagency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.
‘Premature’
However, the OCTA research group reported that there was “a slight upward trend” of Covid-19 cases in Metro Manila, known as one of the country’s coronavirus hot spots.
Health experts also believe that easing the quarantine restriction would be premature.
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