IN response to existing and emerging health threats including the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the country, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, stated on Wednesday, December 13, the importance of continued vigilance and the voluntary use of face masks, especially among high-risk individuals and those with comorbidities.
“Since the lifting of the State of Public Health Emergency due to COVID-19, government policy remains the same regarding the wearing of face masks. It is still voluntary except in healthcare facilities, among a few other places and cases,” said Go.
“But with the 36% increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country and the rising cases of influenza-like illnesses, as chair of the Senate Health Committee, I urge everyone, especially high-risk individuals and those with comorbidities, to voluntarily wear face masks as much as possible,” he added.
The senator also pointed out that the Philippine General Hospital has mandated mask-wearing on its premises. He emphasized the discipline shown by Filipinos in mask usage over the past two years, suggesting it continues to be a part of daily routine.
“In fact, the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) recently announced that it is requiring everyone in its vicinity to wear face masks. Kung hindi naman sagabal, kahit na ikaw ay may malusog na pangangatawan, magsuot tayo ng mask upang maiwasan nating magkasakit,” Go stated.
He further added, “Mahigit dalawang taon naman tayong naging disiplinado sa pagsuot nito. Parang rehearsal na ang nakaraang pandemya sa magiging health protocols natin. Importante mapanatili natin ang disiplina na natutunan natin noong panahon ng pandemya. Wala akong nakikitang rason kung bakit hindi ito maging bahagi ng ating disiplina sa araw-araw.”
Go also mentioned the possibility of convening a hearing to discuss the preparedness for a potential increase in COVID-19 cases. This would involve discussions with the Department of Health (DOH) and other concerned parties regarding health protocols, the utilization of COVID-19 facilities, the status of vaccine and medicine supplies, and the readiness of local governments.
“Maaari tayong magpatawag ng hearing para marinig natin ang mga kinauukulan, lalo na ang DOH, para busisiin ang mga paghahanda sakaling tumaas pa lalo ang bilang ng mga COVID-19 cases sa bansa. Mabuti na ‘yung proactive tayo dahil ayaw nating mabigla na naman ang ating healthcare system,” he said.
To end, Go reiterated his appeal to fellow Filipinos to always prioritize their health, emphasizing its equivalence to life itself.
“Sa muli, apela ko sa mga kababayan natin na palaging ingatan ang inyong kalusugan dahil katumbas ito ng inyong buhay. Kung may nararamdaman, magpa-check-up kaagad sa mga Super Health Centers, rural health units, at public hospitals,” the senator urged.
He also highlighted the importance of primary medical care and early disease detection and advocated for more Super Health Centers across the nation. Go also took note of the availability of Malasakit Centers to assist with hospital bills.
The average daily COVID-19 cases, according to the DOH, have surpassed 200, nearly five months after lifting the public health emergency. The PGH has reinstated masking rules due to rising infections.
The hospitalizations remain low risk, with ICU and non-ICU bed occupancy at 13.6% and 16.5%, respectively. The DOH has reminded the public to adhere to health guidelines, including wearing masks, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated areas, in response to the increasing COVID-19 cases.
