President Rodrigo Duterte will hold another public address today on the impact of the community quarantine in Metro Manila.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said President Duterte will have another meeting today with the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases, and officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) to discuss how to intensify measures in addressing COVID-19.
“Marami (There’s a lot to be tackled in the meeting), like testing kits. The good news is, mayroon tayong darating na 20,000, may company na nag-offer (20,000 kits will arrive from a company that has offered),” Panelo said.
“ADB, per Dominguez, 3 million dollars. May ibibigay rin ang PAGCOR (the PAGCOR will also give assistance). Mayroon ding ihinanda si Bello sa (Sec. Bello also made some preparations on) ‘no work, no pay’. Marami tayong prinepare (We have prepared a lot), sa pagkain (for food), DSWD,” he added.
Panelo added they have been eyeing the implementation of a total lockdown from the current community quarantine in addressing COVID-19. He clarified that it is only a possibility and the decision will be made by the Chief Executive.
The reported entry of bird flu in the country was also discussed in the briefing. Panelo expressed confidence the government can address this amid COVID-19 and African Swine Fever (ASF) matters. – Report from Mela Lesmoras