Lacson: Data-driven approach, public cooperation key to halting COVID-19 resurgence

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson  (PRIB file photo / Joseph Vidal)

MANILA, Philippines — Proactive leadership, cooperation from the public, and a science-based approach are needed to prevent the looming COVID-19 resurgence from robbing the country of its health and economic recovery, presidential aspirant Senator Panfilo Lacson said Sunday.

He issued the statement after the government escalated Metro Manila to Alert Level 3 amid the rise of infections, reminding authorities and Filipinos to “cooperate with science” to stop another major wave of the lingering public health crisis.

He said that while authorities should adopt a data-driven approach in dealing with the pandemic, the public should also do its part by observing basic health protocols.

“Just like that, we’re back to 30% indoor and 50% outdoor. Cooperation with science is key,” Lacson said in a statement.

Lacson has called on public health and law enforcement authorities to press charges against people who were deliberately violating mandatory quarantine protocols, citing the woman who reportedly skipped quarantine and infected others.

Steps must be taken to prevent a repeat of the violation that potentially endangered the health of other people, he added.

“Just when we thought we were ready to move on and not worry about COVID, here we are again, bothered by impending health and economic woes when we know there are hardly any trade-offs between the two. Among others, that girl who skipped quarantine and partied must be prosecuted,” Lscson said.

gsg