Taal, typhoons can worsen COVID-19 in some areas

Experts see that the eruption of Taal Volcano, and upcoming typhoons this mid-year, could potentially worsen COVID-19 in some parts of Luzon.

According to Dr. Peter Julian Cayton of the University of the Philippines (UP) Pandemic Response Team, cases often increase during evacuation.

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Evacuations are currently underway in some areas in Batangas due to the Taal’s volcanic activity.

“We’ve seen this before with regards to also in Cagayan early on, with regards to the typhoons,” said Cayton.

“We’re suggesting that the provinces around Taal be given some level of higher priority in vaccination because it will complicate the way that we will respond to both crises,” he added.

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The Calabarzon Department of Health had earlier said that vaccination against COVID-19 of Taal Volcano evacuees would begin on Monday.

But apart from Taal, we also see the threat of possible typhoons in the middle of the year, which could worsen the situation in COVID-19.

“Last year, nagkaroon tayo ng mga flooding, ng mga typhoon, and yes, nagkakaroon talaga ng spike in cases,” said Guido David of the OCTA Research Group.

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Taal, typhoons can worsen COVID-19 in some areas

“Kailangan paigtingin ‘yong pag-anticipate ng mga events ngayon kasi unlike noong first months, naka-focus lang tayo kung saan mataas. Pero ngayon, dahil complex nga ang sitwasyon natin sa Pilipinas… kailangan nating tingnan… kung alin ba ‘yong potential areas na baka magkaroon ng complications,” said Dr. Kristopffer Berse of UP Pandemic Response Team.

Meanwhile, the OCTA Research Group saw an increase in the hospitalization rate in Baguio City, where 70 percent are already occupied or close to the critical level.

Cases are slowing down in other areas of concern, such as Iloilo City, Davao City, and Bacolod City but have not completely dropped.

According to the UP Response Team, areas at a disadvantage in testing and hospital facilities, such as Cagayan, Camarines Sur, Capiz, Oriental Mindoro, and South Cotabato, must still be monitored.

Meanwhile, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has relaxed the rule on fully vaccinated individuals.

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