The spike in local COVID-19 cases is largely caused by poor monitoring and looser implementation of quarantine rules. Many local government units down to the barangay level have been remiss of their duty in preventing the spread of the virus.
In Metro Manila, especially the nation’s capital Manila, you can see people walking nonchalantly on the sidewalks without face masks. Many minors while away their time outside of their homes, oblivious to the dangers of getting infected with COVID-19. A child without face mask tags along with her parent on their way home or begging on the streets.
The police, meanwhile, are indifferent to the violation of the health rules spelled out in Republic Act No. 11469, or the Bayanihan Act. Some of these law enforcers manning Metro Manila’s intersections are more interested in apprehending would-be traffic violators than arresting minors who violate curfew ordinances. The police can do their share in preventing the virus’ spread by reminding people of the need to wear face masks and by bringing minors to the custody of their parents.
The police, barangay tanods and health authorities are at the forefront of curbing the COVID-19 spread. They, along with executives of local government units, should pursue a more aggressive approach in dealing with the disease.
The police, for one, will have a major role in ensuring people, who test positive for COVID-19 and cannot self-isolate at home, are taken to government-run quarantine facilities. The government has built a number of quarantine centers within and outside the capital region to prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, amid the rapid rise in virus cases, finally deployed the police to accompany health workers to the homes of people who have tested positive and take them to government facilities if their residences are inadequate for self-isolation.
“We prefer that the asymptomatics and the mild cases voluntarily surrender and confine themselves in isolation centers,” said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.
Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Science is teaching us that now.
