Go to Pinoys: Observe health protocols as restrictions ease

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go urged Filipinos to remain vigilant and continue to adhere to health and safety protocols as the government gradually eases pandemic restrictions.

Go, who is expected to continue chairing the Senate committee on health in the 19th Congress, noted the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has allowed all establishments to operate at full capacity.

“As we continue to battle COVID-19, everyone should be vigilant. It’s crucial to understand that the health protocols will only work if everyone follows the rules and works together,” Go said in a statement.

“Let’s not be complacent. Let’s not waste the effectiveness of our pandemic response and vaccine rollout. Let’s intensify our vaccination and booster shots so cases will not go up again,” he said in Filipino.

Acting presidential spokesman Martin Andanar earlier announced that the IATF has “amended the guidelines on the nationwide implementation of alert level systems for COVID-19 as the government pandemic task force recognizes the need to further identify the establishments and/or activities which are allowed to operate, or be undertaken in Alert Level 1.”

Proof of full vaccination is required of all those participating in mass gatherings or entering indoor establishments.

The senator also asked all concerned government agencies and private establishments to strictly implement IATF directives.

Go appealed to national and local officials to speed up the vaccine rollout, particularly the provision of booster shots.

He also urged all Filipinos eligible for immunization to do so as soon as possible as he called on those qualified to obtain their booster doses to give them an extra layer of protection against the virus.