City residents told as complacency observed: Think of lives lost to COVID-19

CEBU, Philippines — Think of the lives lost.

This was the call of Councilor Joel Garganera to residents of Cebu City as he observed more and more are getting complacent as the number of COVID-19 cases in the city are getting lower and quarantine restrictions are eased up.

Garganera, deputy chief implementer of the city’s Emergency Operations Center, said he understands that the city and the rest of the country need to recover from an economic slump, but he called on Cebu City residents to try to feel the pain the families of the 676 who died from the disease.

“Our economy is really bad. Perhaps it will take years to put this back into shape but the 676 deaths in our city alone, their families had to be content with the good memories when they’re still alive because most, if not all of them, were not able to see and bid them goodbye,” Garganera said.

He cited those arrested for failing to wear a mask and for failing to observe social distancing; for engaging in illegal cockfights; as well as minors rescued from bars, internet cafes, and for violating curfew hours.

“I sense people start to get complacent because of the little victories we’ve been experiencing for the last few weeks, coupled with IATF easing some of the restrictions,” Garganera told The Freeman.

He said it is now, more than ever, that people should be mindful of health protocols to prevent a resurgence of the virus. This is not yet the time to celebrate, he said.

“Tinood, magpasalamaton ta sa atong kasamtangang kahimtang pero kahinganlan mas magmatngon ta niining atong pagluag karon,” Garganera said.

(Yes, we should be thankful of our current situation but this is more reason for us to be vigilant now that we are ease restrictions up)

Wearing of mask and face shield, physical distancing, and washing of hands remain a must.

Based on October 17 data from the Department of Health (DOH) - 7, Cebu City has 213 active cases with 9,274 recoveries.

At least 42 of 80 barangays have arrested transitioned while four remain clean of the virus.

“It only takes a few to lose the gains we have achieved,” Garganera said.

Basilica

In a separate development, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño remains off limits to minors and senior citizens.

“Please be informed that the health protocols and safety measures implemented in the Basilica specifically the age limit of persons allowed to enter the church (22 to 59 years old only) will remain as it is,” reads part of the church’s advisory.

Church officials say they await advisory from the city government on possible changes in guidelines as the city continues to remain under modified general community quarantine.

Recently, the Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19 allowed those between 15 years old and 65 years old to go out of their houses, as long as they are not pregnant or with co-morbidities.

But the IATF also gave the local government units the last say on the implementation of the rule, as they know the situations in their areas best. — Sanden J. Anadia, Banat News, JMO