A “CALIBRATED” reopening of shopping malls could be part of the partial easing of the Philippines’ coronavirus lockdown, Socieconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said Thursday.
In an interview, Pernia said the country has to be “very careful” in lifting the lockdown to prevent a fresh wave of infections. Construction of infrastructure projects under President Rodrigo Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” could also be allowed to resume.
“Parang calibrated opening siguro of malls and other areas where we can still have the necessary safeguards against contracting the disease,” said Pernia.
Mall operators have suspended their operations, except for groceries and pharmacies during the lockdown period that required half of the country’s 100 million people to stay at home.
The so-called enhanced community quarantine or ECQ started on March 17 and was extended until April 30.
Pernia said Filipinos should also start preparing for a “new normal” post-lockdown. Officials earlier said this could include physical distancing and wearing of face masks.(ABS-CBN News)
