A business group recommends the lifting of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine on April 12, 2020 and the easing of lockdown restrictions.
"The calibrated easing of restrictions can be accompanied by specific safeguards and hygienic measures to reduce the risk of spreading the disease while allowing a limited resumption of economic activity," the Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) said in a statement.
The FEF describes itself as an advocacy institution, composed of respected business leaders, retired bureaucrats and academic economists. Listed in its Board of Advisers are former Prime Minister Cesar Virata and economist Gerardo Sicat.
On movement of people, goods
One of the safeguards proposed by the group is the mandatory use of face masks for everyone venturing outside their homes, a measure recently adopted by the COVID-19 inter-agency task force but only until the end of the quarantine period.
It also supports disinfection measures in public transportation before and after every trip, adding that the absence of mass transport has been particularly injurious to the poor.
The FEF recommends the removal of checkpoints between local government units to allow the free flow of goods, with disinfection procedures also to be strictly observed.
New work arrangements, reopening factories
The group supports work-from-home arrangements and staggered working hours after the lockdown is lifted. It also encourages continued salary payments to employees.
Meanwhile, factories may also reopen but must observe social distancing, with a ban on groups of more than ten people, the statement said.
The group added that aside from supermarkets and groceries, hardware stores must be allowed to operate as well.
Medical efforts to combat COVID-19
To "give valuable data for decision points,” the FEF supports mass or random testing for the virus.
It also encourages the mobilization of the private sector to produce much needed health supplies and the importation of critical medical equipment.
To gauge the effectiveness of measures, the group recommends a "weekly evaluation and assessment to further ease or dial up restrictions."
https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/4/2/business-group-recommends-april-12-lockdown-end.html
