As the President Duterte mulls over the fate of the Luzon-wide ECQ, WHO has advised that lifting of such must be done in a gradual, phased manner.
Category: Global and Local Developments
The following study was conducted by Guido David, Ranjit Singh Rye, and Ma. Patricia Agbulos. It features mathematical models on transmission rates of COVID-19 in the country and some policy recommendations to help the government t9 decide on whether to extend, modify, or lift the ECQ.
The following letter entitled “World Experience And New Scientific Findings: Relevance for containing COVID-19” was written to brief top business and government executives about COVID-19 in the Philippines. Attached with this was the longer Open Letter To The President Of The Republic Of The Philippines and a 38-page Briefing Paper on COVID-19. [pdf id=1092] Download […]
The following is a recording of Nicanor’s April 21 interview with John Paul Tia of Aksyon Radyo Iloilo. Listen to Interview
Most health experts consulted on by the president has recommended the lifting of the ECQ in some areas of Luzon. Moreover, there is near consensus that the ECQ should only be extended in areas where an outbreak occurs.
Socioeconomic planning chief resigns
NEDA secretary Ernesto Pernia quit his post last April 17 following reports of possible extension of the Luzon-wide Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). Pernia is among the Cabinet officials pushing for the relaxing of the community quarantine.

While the rest of the world closed its borders and shut down a majority of business activities within their territories, in Sweden, life continues as usual. Except for the ban in gatherings of more than 50 people, schools, restaurants, and gyms remain open. And though Sweden’s lenient strategy alarms those from the outside, Paul Franks […]

The entire world is in panic as the number of those infected with the SARS-COV-2 virus continues to soar. In this article for Vox, Allegra Frank and Constance Grady introduce to us the various strategies implemented by countries to curb the spread of the COVID-19 disease. Is any one strategy more effective than the other? It […]

Based on Germany’s experience, we now know that it is possible to control deaths due to COVID-19 without implementing lockdowns. Early detection, a quick response system, and a robust health care system, all seem to have contributed to Germany’s success.