Aside from vaccination, one of the visible ways to control the spread of COVID-19 is to continue adherence to health protocols.
Health spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire also recommends wearing a medical-grade or surgical face mask in what are considered “high-risk settings.”
“Mas tumataas ang protection ‘pag medical grade ang mask because there are these specific filtering filtering mechanisms… kapag cloth mask, walang ganoon,” she said.
But if such masks are not available, the cloth mask will still work, especially if it has 2 layers and is worn correctly.
Experts also reminded that although there are quarantine facilities, home quarantine is still allowed as long as the house is suitable for that kind of care.
You need to have your own room, bathroom, a good source of electricity and water, and no one who can easily get sick. The local government unit should also monitor the patient daily.
“Kung hindi tayo makakapag-comply sa mga kondisyon na ito, hindi po kayo maaring payagan na mag-home quarantine,” said Vergeire.
The OCTA Research Group believes that hospitals in Metro Manila will continue to be filled until no less than 2,500 cases are recorded in the region.
According to the group, there is an average of 3,000 daily cases in Metro Manila.
DOH: Wear medical grade or surgical face mask in ‘high-risk setting’
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) will allow those under vaccine priority groups A2 and A3 and their housemates to be simultaneously vaccinated against COVID-19.
This further encourages the A2 group or the senior citizens and A3 group or people with comorbidity (disease) to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
According to Health spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire, many are still hesitant to vaccinate such groups based on surveys.
Under the new policy, which is set to be released by the DOH, A2 or A3’s relative or helper will be allowed to be vaccinated with them at the vaccination site.
“Sa A3 po, ‘yon lang may immunocompromised states. Ibig sabihin, ‘yong mga nagke-chemotherapy, ‘yong nagkaroon ng organ transplant, ‘yong pong may sakit na hinang-hina na at kelangan ng alalay,” said Vergeire.
The government is targeting to vaccinate 58 million to 70 million people.
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