More Businesses Need to Open to Boost Economy

As we are now living under the world’s “new normal,” businesses are now slowly getting back to their feet after months of skirmish with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

However, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez urged that more businesses should open, or at least be given the chance to open their establishments once again to spur the economy.

Lopez said that businesses in areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) and Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) should maximize their operation and working capacity.

“Since this pandemic started, what we have been pushing for is that, as much as possible we can keep the same enforcement,” said Lopez.

Lopez however admitted that this move will definitely be unfavorable for health workers as risk is seen to rise again, but with proper health protocols observed, it shouldn’t be a problem.

“I believe we can safely reopen it. It’s been six months and the virus will not go away,” added Lopez.

The new quarantine category was announced by President Rodrigo Duterte last night. Until October 15, 2020, Lanao del Sur and Marawi City will be under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ). National Capital Region (NCR), Batangas City, Tacloban City, Bacolod City, Iligan City and Iloilo City will be under GCQ and the rest of the country remains under MGCQ. (MLC)