PCCI pushes for full economic reopening despite unmet herd immunity

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is pushing for the full reopening of the economy, even if the herd immunity threshold is unmet due to the elusive vaccination target.

PCCI acting president Edgardo Lacson stated that the business group desires the economy to fully open, citing that herd immunity may be unachievable as the virus constantly mutates.

He mentioned that the COVID-19 virus and its variants are likely permanent but can be managed through consistent adherence to health protocols like masking, handwashing, and social distancing.

Lacson also welcomed the government's move to implement granular lockdowns in Metro Manila, stating that it removes the discrimination between essential and non-essential economic activities.

However, he reiterated that any form of lockdown, whether region-wide or granular, remains disruptive and a disincentive to business operations.

The PCCI chief stressed the significance of widespread and ongoing vaccination, tracing, testing, and accelerating the development of affordable COVID-19 treatments.

He urged the nation to overcome their excessive fear of the virus and the even more significant fear of another lockdown.