It is no doubt that COVID-19 cases in the Philippines have increased drastically since it started in February 2020. However, unlike when it started to penetrate different parts of the world, this pandemic is more manageable than before, as doctors and scientists have conducted ample research to treat patients better.
Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez believes that understanding how COVID-19 infects people and how it is transferred from one person to another can help increase the chance of not catching the virus.
The actor turned politician encourages his constituents to take note of the important things about COVID-19 as this can help protect themselves.
He recalls that, initially, “we thought that COVID-19 ties up with pneumonia which weakens a patient’s lung and causes death. Hospitals and doctors then thought that ventilators are the most effective way to treat a patient.”
“Fast forward to today, scientists have proven that the virus caused blood clots in the blood vessels of the lungs and other parts of the human body which causes the reduced oxygenation. Because of this, it is proven that ventilators are not enough,” Gomez said.
Medications that help blood thinning and clotting, such as Asprin and Heparin, have become protocol treatments in June, he noted. This, along with many other facts about COVID-19, gives patients a higher chance of surviving the illness.
Gomez stressed that “the times are changing and science is continuously innovating. By educating ourselves on the new scientific progress about COVID-19, and the new treatments that our medical experts are discovering, we can all survive this pandemic.”
Aside from keeping abreast on all the updates about COVID-19, Gomez also calls for the public to abide with the simple precautionary measures such as six-feet physical distancing, wearing of proper masks, staying at home as much as possible, and maintaining proper hygiene.
These small gestures can help slow the transmission of viruses and may kill them during the process, he said.
“Discipline starts at home. Encourage your family members to practice the basic precautionary measures to help protect each of your household members. The control to keep your family safe and healthy is literally in your hands,” Gomez added.
Just like any other disease and pandemic that have struck the world in the early days, COVID-19 may just be another normal sickness in due time, he said. Sooner or later, getting infected will not be as fearful as it was in December 2019. Soon enough, medical professionals will find the cure to this virus.
“While we are waiting for the cure, we have no other choice but to keep ourselves healthy and informed. We are fighting a war against something that we don’t see. Panic, rebellion, and resistance won’t do anything good to anyone; it will only make it worst,” Gomez said.
“However, knowing more information about what we are dealing with can be used to our advantage. Let’s minimize the fear and let’s promote awareness about COVID-19,” the mayor concluded.
