Calibrated shift from ECQ to GCQ

LETTERS FROM THE AGNO

March L. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY -- Listening to the mayor of Baguio explain his and that of the health managers’ actions and reactions to attacking issues and problems during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, I got the feel of his inner person’s seriousness in fighting the unseen enemy.

Damn if you do and damn if you don’t but everyone has to get used to living between situations under an enhanced community quarantine and the modified one. This has loosened economic restrictions a little bit in order to earn a little money, although it is stricter in terms of enforcing safety health protocols.

Stricter because we cannot afford to go back to square one and allow COVID-19 infections to recur that could result to even more deaths. Expect manpower at checkpoints while police visibility will have to be doubled because of the flow of people that will certainly increase in a modified ECQ.

Hence, a slow but careful study on how to loosen the restrictions of a lockdown leading to what Mayor Benjie Magalong called a calibrated lifting of quarantine protocols. At the same time, this is to make sure that the citizenry will not come in contact with people infected with the coronavirus.

In all actions proposed under the shift to general community quarantine (GCQ), take note that the implementation comes with the enforcement of occupational health/ safety guidelines and protocols that were implemented during the ECQ.

There should not be any confusion as to how a modified ECQ or how a GCQ status is implemented. Both are the same bananas. In both cases, what is important is that social distancing of more than one meter, the wearing of face masks and personal hygiene is strictly observed.

To make things easier, barangay officials may agree among themselves to adopt localized versions of quarantine protocols that they can implement in their respective localities as long as no national and city guidelines are violated.

Effective today, after two months of ECQ, the city in accordance with national protocols laid out its initial GCQ guidelines in relation to the operation of businesses and transportation.

The same market schedule of twice a week that was implemented during ECQ will be followed. While public transportation will be allowed to operate from 6AM to 6PM everyday, this will be limited for the use of APORs (authorized persons outside of residence).

Those who will report for work on a daily basis, including workers and travelers from outside of Baguio, will be required to get travel permits. Checkpoints at borders will still be strict, while PUVs from Benguet towns around Baguio will be allowed entry.

The same fare price set by the LTFRB will be followed even while some 180 units of PUJs will be allowed to operate starting Monday (May 18, 2020) on rotation basis as agreed by jeepney associations.

Jeepney operators and drivers are required to strictly enforce the usual ECQ protocols, including the installation of plastic sheets between driver and passengers. For taxicabs, around 300 units will be allowed to operate by Monday, while “angkas” riders on motorcycles will be allowed provided the passenger is the spouse.

Meanwhile, under GCQ status, private motor vehicles will be required to follow a three-day number coding system. Private vehicles with plates ending with odd numbers are allowed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays while MV plates ending with even numbers can run the streets on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

The GCQ guidelines also allowed private and government projects to resume construction provided there is prior assessment from the city government. Construction projects resumed last week while hardware stores and related businesses such as sand and gravel reopened even earlier.

Construction workers are required to undergo checkup at health centers, and contractors will have to provide isolation facilities for their workers at their own expense.

Under GCQ, special quarantine passes will be issued for physical fitness activities such as jogging inside Burnham Park that will open on Monday from 5AM to 8AM only. Zumba will be allowed inside the park but will be limited to 15 people only at two meters distance between participants. Bike shops too may open five days a week.

Medical and dental clinics may open for three days per week only and by appointment to avoid crowding in clinics. Salons and barbershops may also open for three days in a week with workers wearing face masks, PPEs and must strictly observe occupational health and safety protocols.

All non-essential mass assemblies, including religious gatherings are still prohibited. Also, the 24-hour curfew still holds. The localized GCQ guidelines will be assessed from time to time and will be modified accordingly.

I believe that with the localized GCQ guidelines, the mayor and some of our leaders are doing their best to be careful so that COVID-19 infections in the city will not recur while trying to gain back the economy that was lost during the ECQ.

From ECQ to GCQ scenario, I remember a friend who described the life of us as jumping from the frying pan to the fire, while another described it as life caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.

Whatever, it is only right that we do our role by simply observing the health guidelines such as social distancing, wearing face masks, maintaining personal hygiene and stopping virus transmission by avoiding unnecessary travel.

Just like with other disasters, typhoons and viruses; we have to observe the protocols and get used to them because even with the discovery of a vaccine soon, the virus is here to stay. Bring it on Ambo!