DILG chief explains why extreme ECQ is needed
Published Apr 23, 2020 12:00 am
By Chito Chavez
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año on Thursday stressed that the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) guidelines are meant to protect the public from being infected with the novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año (Philippine Information Agency / MANILA BULLETIN)
A former top military officer, Año explained that the prime purpose of the quarantine protocols is to spare the public from more inconveniences that may cause death.
As stubborn groups habitually defied the ECQ regulations, Año stressed the government was left with no choice but to enforce stricter ECQ rules that led to fines or arrests.
Since there is still no cure for the virus, Año reiterated the proper hygiene and social distancing will have to be implemented to prevent the spread of the disease.
Human and religious groups have despised the government’s draconian style of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
They insisted that scientific methods should have been prioritized from the start instead of the lockdown which led to people abuse and harassment.
Explaining further, the groups chided the government for the late and insufficient delivery of food and non-food assistance not only to the poorest among the poor but also to those who were left eventually penniless or cashed-strapped with the ECQ being imposed since March 17.
Meanwhile, Año who was the first member of the President’s Cabinet to be tested positive for COVID-19 urged the others in the same predicament not to lose hope, act immediately and exercise precautions similarly to what he did that has led to full recovery.
Citing his case, Año his mindset has something to do with his recovery from the virus telling other COVID-19 patients to be cautious but not fearful and just take the proper medications.
Now feeling strong and working full-time, Año had fever and flu-like symptoms and was later tested COVID-19 positive.
He claimed to have employed traditional remedies like inhaling steam from boiling water and gargling with salted water.
Later, Año’s two subsequent COVID-19 tests done on April 8 and 13 yielded negative results.
However, medical experts noted that there is no evidence that steam therapy can kill the virus nor gargling of lukewarm water with salt can prevent respiratory diseases.
Año appealed for public understanding stressing that the strict implementation of quarantine rules are vital to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año (Philippine Information Agency / MANILA BULLETIN)
A former top military officer, Año explained that the prime purpose of the quarantine protocols is to spare the public from more inconveniences that may cause death.
As stubborn groups habitually defied the ECQ regulations, Año stressed the government was left with no choice but to enforce stricter ECQ rules that led to fines or arrests.
Since there is still no cure for the virus, Año reiterated the proper hygiene and social distancing will have to be implemented to prevent the spread of the disease.
Human and religious groups have despised the government’s draconian style of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
They insisted that scientific methods should have been prioritized from the start instead of the lockdown which led to people abuse and harassment.
Explaining further, the groups chided the government for the late and insufficient delivery of food and non-food assistance not only to the poorest among the poor but also to those who were left eventually penniless or cashed-strapped with the ECQ being imposed since March 17.
Meanwhile, Año who was the first member of the President’s Cabinet to be tested positive for COVID-19 urged the others in the same predicament not to lose hope, act immediately and exercise precautions similarly to what he did that has led to full recovery.
Citing his case, Año his mindset has something to do with his recovery from the virus telling other COVID-19 patients to be cautious but not fearful and just take the proper medications.
Now feeling strong and working full-time, Año had fever and flu-like symptoms and was later tested COVID-19 positive.
He claimed to have employed traditional remedies like inhaling steam from boiling water and gargling with salted water.
Later, Año’s two subsequent COVID-19 tests done on April 8 and 13 yielded negative results.
However, medical experts noted that there is no evidence that steam therapy can kill the virus nor gargling of lukewarm water with salt can prevent respiratory diseases.
Año appealed for public understanding stressing that the strict implementation of quarantine rules are vital to prevent the spread of COVID-19.