The government will slowly transition the country into a new normal as it studies placing it under Alert Level 1 as doctors air concerns about the seemingly hasty move to normalizing everything, including the removal of certain precautionary mandates like the wearing of face masks. It seems this is where everybody is headed. We must learn to live with the coronavirus just like dengue and the flu. Unless a more worrisome variant like Omicron comes along.
This is exactly what many countries are doing, particularly in Europe. Living with COVID-19 is the new normal. Establishments no longer require the wearing of face masks or showing proof of being vaccinated. Bars are open to all. Cinemas start to open. Tourist spots welcome everyone. People have become tired of the strict restrictions and lockdowns for the past two years.
We are also moving in a similar direction. After being placed under Alert Level 2, more people have come out. Malls have more people. The traffic we all despise is back. Let's not forget the supporters of campaigning of candidates who cannot follow physical distancing, some without face masks. This is what doctors are concerned about. Frontliners are enjoying a respite but are worried should another wave of cases come in.
According to the DOH, the mask mandates will be the last to go when the time comes. But it's up to us whether we want to continue wearing a mask or not. What the DOH wants to focus on is the continued vaccination program for all. Vaccination is paramount in this battle against COVID-19. If we want to transition to a new normal as soon as possible then vaccination is the key. DOH data shows around 60 million individuals have been fully vaccinated while another 60 million have received their first dose. Eight million have received boosters. I would like to see higher numbers if we are going into a new normal. But according to one study, the efficacy of the Pfizer and Moderna boosters wane after four months. There is no advice from the DOH if another booster is needed but I can see where this is going until a more effective vaccine that covers all coronavirus variants comes along. The coronavirus has proven it should not be underestimated. Much of the world remains unvaccinated which is a major concern since variants come from the unvaccinated. The African continent sorely lacks vaccines for its people. Only 12% of its population is fully vaccinated while a paltry 5.3% have received the first dose. This is where the battleground lies. We are still fighting a battle we cannot afford to lose.