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Relaxation

Discussion in 'COVID-19' started by Notmyrealname, Feb 24, 2021.

  1. Notmyrealname

    Notmyrealname DI Forum Luminary Highly Rated Poster Showcase Reviewer

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    https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/02...ng-swab-testing-as-travel-requirement/844650/

    Although these changes are not certain at the moment (and the article says would have to be approved by the IATF-MEID), the discussions around it by the DILG are a cause for concern IMO. These changes would involve scrapping tests for Covid-19 as a travel requirement around the country. This, the article says, has already happened in Cebu province - I am unclear if that had any approval from IATF-MEID but I know that Cebu has a rising number of cases and two mutations detected. It was stated that "the DoH said last year that testing should only be mandatory for persons exposed to or showing symptoms of Covid-19" - how they know either of these things for certain is beyond me.

    It is also stated that "As long as the person is following the minimum health standards such as wearing face masks and face shield, maintaining physical distancing, and regular washing of hands, these would be enough compliance (they would have at least 95 percent less risk of transmission)".

    Apart from Covid-19 tests, they were also looking at lifting other travel requirements such as a travel order and local health certificates.

    Again, IMO and as I read it, people need even more to look at the personal protection of themselves and of their loved ones at a time when it seems there may be a big reduction in safety measures (if I read it correctly that wearing facemasks/shields AT THE TIME will be enough evidence for travel and takes no account of the fact that the person wearing that protection may be infected and not continue to wear the PPE at the destination), a very long time before substantial vaccinations and a strong (but understandable) desire to get the economy back to nearer normal. IMO this would lead to an explosion of the virus to every island and move the Philippines way up to the top region of world rankings for cases and deaths.
     
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    Last edited: Feb 24, 2021
  2. Jens K

    Jens K DI Senior Member

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    Worried about that as well. We've had a pretty relaxed time here in the last months, some inconveniences but really nothing compared to the lock downs in manila or cebu city. Wouldn't want to see things go south now.
     
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    Notmyrealname

    Notmyrealname DI Forum Luminary Highly Rated Poster Showcase Reviewer

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    We are in a relatively safe place now - except Manila and Cebu, as you say - and some in our home countries would like to swap places with us. Soon it may be the reverse situation!
     
  4. Rye83

    Rye83 with pastrami Admin Secured Account Highly Rated Poster SC Connoisseur Veteran Army

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    The economy just can't handle all these travel restrictions for much longer. At what point does the financial devastation to the tourism industry (12% of GDP) and all the people who work in it (3.8 million Filipinos) outweigh the covid risks? Not being able to feed yourself and your family has a 100% morality rate. With the reduced tourism income the government has even less ability to feed those that have been hurt by these travel restrictions. It just isn't sustainable.
     
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  5. SkipJack

    SkipJack DI Senior Member

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    This justifies the rapid purchase of vaccines. Rather than wait until rich countries give the vaccine to the Philippines, the Philippine government should act more assertively in acquiring a few vaccines for people in key positions.

    Here there is very little privacy. We get detailed information on every positive case. You will notice that a lot of them are health care providers and public facing transportation workers. (Airline stewards, bus drivers, etc.) Inoculate these people and the cases would drop off dramatically. Later public facing government workers.

    Then open the economy while the rest of the population gets inoculated.

    In other words, inoculate those who have a high chance of transmission rather than those who are at greatest risk of health issues.
     
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