Reopening malls will trigger 2nd wave of virus – Galvez

MANILA – Reopening of malls amid the threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) will trigger more infections, according to secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., chief implementer of the government’s COVID-19 response.  

“Kapag binuksan natin ang lahat ng negosyo maaaring malagay sa [alanganin] ang kalusugan ng mamayan,” Galvez told GMA’s Dobol B sa News TV.
Galvez also said the public should expect a “new normal” with the wearing of face masks and social distancing required even if the ECQ is lifted by President Rodrigo Duterte.
“New normal is social distancing, wearing of masks, protecting elders… and big congregations wala na muna ‘yan,” Galvez said. “‘Yung mga i–o-open natin na mga negosyo kailangan responsable sa kanilang mga employee at kanilang mga buyer.”

Earlier, presidential adviser on entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion suggested the gradual opening of malls, with priority for high-demand shops. He added that public transport, construction, and all manufacturing activities to resume.

Malacañang, however, still has no say on the issue but Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has called on the public to abide by quarantine protocols as it was the “new normal.”

“Ang [physical] distancing ay new normal na kinakailangan hindi na nagkukumpul-kumpulan. Hindi ko alam kung paano ‘yung sa jeepney. Meron na tayong espasyo at ito ay panandalian habang wala pang vaccine o gamot sa COVID-19,” Roque said./PN