Bong Go urges public to strictly observe health protocols

MANILA, Philippines — With the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, Sen. Bong Go has urged the public to take precautions and strictly observe health protocols so as not to waste the country’s gains in its pandemic response.

Go, chairman of the Senate committee on health, urged everyone to carefully consider how his or her actions would affect others, particularly the elderly and the sick who are most vulnerable to COVID-19.

“We were used to celebrating with our families. But the times are not normal yet. Let’s not be too much in a hurry because while COVID is still around, the danger remains, especially with the reported new variants like this Omicron variant,” Go said.

“Let’s not waste what we started. (The number of cases) is increasing now because it’s the holiday season and people are coming out,” he added.

Go pointed out that the initial success in curbing the spread of COVID-19 in the Philippines was only made possible by the people’s commitment to abide by the mandated health and safety protocols.

He said face masks should be worn at all times in public and crowding in public spaces should be avoided.

“If we notice, our case here in our country is not very high (compared to others) because the Filipino is disciplined. Let’s continue to wear masks and practice social distancing. President Rodrigo Duterte and I appeal to you, everyone’s life and health are at stake here,” the senator said.

He cited the importance of vaccination to ensure greater protection against COVID-19. Vaccinated individuals, he stressed, are less likely to suffer from severe symptoms or die from COVID-19 complications.

According to the Department of Health, the government has administered a total of 108.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines as of Dec. 30. More than 57.1 million Filipinos have received their first dose while 49.6 million had their second dose.

Nearly 1.8 million booster shots have also been administered. The country has received a total of 198.82 million vaccine doses.

“If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, the vaccine is there. It is free from the government. Get vaccinated now to be more protected, the vaccine is the only key or solution for us to gradually return to our normal life… It is better that we do this first, so we can achieve herd immunity,” he said.

He also echoed President Duterte’s call for national unity to overcome the pandemic and help the country recover from the devastation left by Typhoon Odette.