Establish health, security protocols as an ordinance

THERE is a noted surge in COVID-19 cases in Pangasinan, particularly in Dagupan City. This, notwithstanding the successful and intensified efforts of the provincial government to flatten the curve here, so far.

Now comes the dilemma. The unexpected surge came at a time when the province is taking steps to finally restart local economy. Our government believes it must now make the difficult decision on what should be prioritized – health or economy.

But, it is not a chicken or the egg situation. Our government and our people can have both without need to compromise one or the other. What needs to be done simply is to keep the gains and adopt new measures to secure them.

The problem is in compliance, not in the established health and security protocols nor in the management of border checkpoints. The problem lies in the policy that compliance be left fully in the hands of ability and initiative of the individual to protect one’s self and to protect others.  That is wishful thinking.

It’s time the provincial government considers penalty/punishment for violations of both health and security protocols. Let the protocols be defined as an ordinance that provides for penalties, and provide for mandatory designation of protocol marshals in each barangay whose main duty is to see to the strict compliance with the ordinance.

With the two provisions in place, government can reopen all establishments while confident that the risks of contagion are greatly minimized. If there are persons who do not fear being infected by the virus, they should at least fear the consequence of violating the protocols.

 

Sleeping with the enemy

 IT has suddenly become a must that our economy be awakened.  It’s been months that commerce has been in a virtual standstill because of the COVID-19. The economic paralysis has resulted in massive losses to our capitalists and labor force.  With many factories and entities shuttered, the engines of growth have stopped whirring. The Filipino people have suffered enough, losing their jobs and going hungry practically.  And because the viciousness of the virus seems to linger on for at least a year or even more as per the assessment of the World Health Organization, it has become imperative that the economy be reopened.  Manufacturing should resume. Back to business.  Let the workers return.  Learn to co-exist with the virus.  But while sleeping with the enemy, so to speak, wear a face mask, wash our hands frequently and observe social distancing always. Bite the bullet to live again.

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