Calibrated lockdown lifting 'most likely scenario,' says Makati Business Club

MANILA -- A calibrated lifting of the Philippines' coronavirus lockdown is emerging as the 'most likely scenario,' the head of the Makati Business Club said Sunday.

There could be "some relaxation" for businesses that can ensure the safety of their workers and communities from COVID-19, said MBC President Edgar Chua.

"It will be very gradual," Chua told ANC. Manufacturing and businesses process outsourcing or BPOs could be allowed to open first, he said.

Any decision on the duration of the lockdown, scheduled to end on April 12, rests on health, economics and social order, he said.

It could take longer for malls and schools to reopen, compared to other businesses, Chua added.

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The Philippines can look to the examples of South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore in managing their pandemic lockdowns, he said.

The Philippine government first placed the capital region on community quarantine beginning March 15, and then expanded the measure to the entire Luzon two days later, as the cases of COVID-19 also grew in the country.

As of Saturday, 3,094 cases have been recorded in the country, including 144 deaths and 57 recoveries.