We note that the average number of new coronavirus or COVID-19 infections reported each day in the Philippines has fallen by more than 8,400 during the last three weeks, which translates to roughly 40 percent of its previous peak reported on September 15.
From the time the health emergency was declared in the country in mid-March last year, there have been 2.6 million infections and more than 38,900 coronavirus-related deaths, with the country administering thus far at least 48,390,819 doses of COVID vaccines.
Despite the reported improve-ment of the situation, we should not be complacent. We should continue to observe basic health protocols which would protect us and members of our families.
We also urge those who have reservations about getting vaccinated to get themselves inoculated to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others.
COVID’s barbarity is not over, despite the reported decline in cases.
Get vaccinated as soon as you can and wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission.
We should as well listen to alarm bells even if we have been fully vaccinated.
And this is particularly addressed to people who have a condition or are taking medications that weaken their immune system and may not be fully protected even if they are fully vaccinated.
We should also continue to avoid crowds and poorly ventilated places, avoid close contact with people who are sick, and, outside your homes, maintain sick feet physical distance from others, remembering that some people without symptoms may be spreading the virus.
At the same time, we should continue monitoring our health daily. We should be alert for symptoms like fever, cough, shortness of breath or other COVID-19 symptoms.
Easy. That’s for our protection and for those around us. For a healthy Philippines.
