Easing of Covid-19 quarantine rules no excuse for complacency

FILE: Manila police personnel strictly inspect people at a checkpoint in Tondo, Manila on Sunday (May 3, 2020). (PNA photo By Avito C. Dalan)

MANILA – The relaxation of some quarantine measures amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic is not a reason for the public to be complacent, Joint Task Force Covid Shield commander, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, said Wednesday.

“We are reminding the public that the Covid-19 threat is still out there and we could be hit if we will not observe proper precautions,” Eleazar said in a message to reporters after receiving reports that some people no longer wear face masks when going out of their homes and gather for small talks on the street.

He reminded the people to always observe the basic health protocols – wearing of face masks, maintaining physical distancing, and frequent hand washing, among others.

Eleazar, meanwhile, instructed all policemen manning quarantine control points and conducting a beat patrol to strictly enforce quarantine rules.

He said beat patrols should be done regularly to compel residents to comply with the basic quarantine rules.

“All the sacrifices we made for the last three months will be for nothing if we lower our guard against the coronavirus.

The fight is far from over so we should be alert and vigilant at all times,” Eleazar said.