The government must heed the advice of world health authorities and scientists not to prematurely lift lockdown and social distancing restrictions because a one-time or limited lockdown cannot effectively control the spread of viral transmission.

Several internationally renowned epidemiologists also cautioned that ill-conceived post-lockdown policies may result to the resurgence of the dreaded disease.

While violators of lockdown barriers contribute to the difficulty of containing the spread of the novel coronavirus, the principal culprit is the government’s initial and current lack of test kits, mass testing equipment, personal protective equipment (PPEs), and adequately equipped quarantine facilities nationwide.

Moreover, the depletion of the ranks of frontline healthcare professionals and workers, many of whom have been victims of the viral contagion, contribute to the problems of containment and cure.

The Philippines registers the highest mortality of frontline doctors in Southeast Asia and has the highest number of COVID-19 positive cases in the region.

EDCEL C. LAGMAN