AS the government imposes another ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) for the NCR (National Capital Region) and selected regions, opposition is being raised about the cost of the move. Within the government itself, the economic managers have raised the alarm. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez has been quoted as saying the number of affected businesses will jump to 16 percent from 8 percent and will lead to 1.8 million jobless Filipinos. National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Karl Chua estimate that each week of ECQ in NCR will cost the economy Php105 Billion.
What we will encounter therefore is a win for the NCR LGU heads which appealed for the stricter measures in the region. A lockdown is basically designed to save lives because the argument is every human life is priceless. The Department of Health believes it will stem the spread of the virus as it fears a surge will over burden local hospitals. Will the benefits outweigh the costs?
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