By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said that this is “not the right time to relax.”

Lacson’s statement is in reaction to the statement of a group of doctors and businessmen recommending for preventive healthcare and the gradual lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and lockdowns in the country.

The Concerned Doctors and Citizens of the Philippines (CDC-PH) last week launched the #FlattenTheFear campaign, which urges the government to end lockdowns and promote intake of proper nutrition to boost one’s immune system.

Dr. Joel Lopez said prevention or early treatment of virus patients will “actually help ease the burden in the hospitals.”

Lockdowns can be gradually lifted once these measures are in place, he added.

Healthcare workers in August had appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to place virus epicenter Metro Manila under modified lockdown to give them a breather.

Lacson said he is against the suggestion of CDCph. It’s not just about strengthening one’s immune system by taking Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Z, he pointed out.

He added that the targeted lockdown the group is pushing is being implemented in areas under moderate general community quarantine (MGCQ).

“Limiting the movement of people is the most effective way to stop the spread of COVID- 19,” Lacson said./DGB, WDJ