Nancy Binay: Govt should set precautionary measures before lifting ECQ

MANILA, Philippines—Senator Nancy Binay on Sunday proposed that the government put up precautionary measures first before lifting the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) on May 15 to guide the public on how to live under the “new normal.”

The lawmaker said the government should be aggressive in its campaign to make sure the public is well informed on preventive measures against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) when the lockdown is lifted.

She added that information such as public-private initiated exit plans and strategic transition roadmaps should be well disseminated.

“It’s a given that we will have to live with the virus every day in our lives until a vaccine is available,” said Binay in a statement. “Even before May 15 arrives, preventive measures should already be in place in order to minimize the risk of community infection.”

“This is why the government must launch an aggressive multi-sector information campaign so that the exit plan is coordinated, and the people are fully informed, engaged, and accountable to live under a new normal.”

President Rodrigo Duterte, after consultation with former secretaries of the Department of Health, has decided to extend the lockdown in Metro Manila and in other areas until May 15. The ECQ was supposed to end on April 30.

With just 20 days left before the lifting of the ECQ, Binay said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID)  should come up with a concise “blue book” for the public, local government units, and businesses in the private sector that would serve as a guide after the lockdown.

“It’s filling in the details. This is about guiding the public of what to expect once restrictions in traveling and going to work are relaxed, and how to manage people’s expectations. A ‘blue book’ also serves as a handy instruction manual for essential businesses on how to retrofit their establishments to the new normal,” said Binay.

IATF guidelines, Binay said, could be transposed into an illustrated format that will serve as a handbook for public transport operators, building management firms, schools, restaurants, hotels, shops, and amusement and entertainment centers.

She proposed that starting this week until May, infomercials should start appearing on television, social media, and downloadable posters about the preventive measures.

“This should be like FAQs (frequently asked questions) to quickly answer any queries and secondly, there should be a campaign to institutionalize minimum public health protocols like personal hygiene, and social distancing in a more systematic fashion,” said Binay.

/MUF