More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government.
Face masks are coming back in a big way. "Experts" say they are a must during the holiday season.
Experts cautioned the public about the presence of respiratory illnesses, including the prevailing COVID-19, as people prepare for the Holiday season.
These are influenza or flu, the “walking pneumonia” and the still-present COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Physician Tony Leachon, a health reform advocate and former special adviser of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, urged the public to “wear face masks,” adding that his online consultations presented “lots of COVID cases.”
“Mild cases. But can be risky among vulnerable population. 11% positivity rate. Stay safe,” he said on Facebook on Wednesday, December 13.
Leachon also shared his post on his X (formerly Twitter) account and appealed for people to “be vigilant.”
The physician made a similar appeal the day before, urging the public to “wear face masks and reinstate usual hygienic measures.”
He also suggested that people exhibiting “flu-like symptoms” do a COVID-19 antigen test for precaution.
Physician and internet personality Harold Chiu also told the public to “keep safe,” adding that “COVID-19 never really left.”
“We are lucky to have survived the last 3 [three] years, but it’s increasing due to human activity. To add to that, we have other conditions to deal with: influenza, atypical [or] walking pneumonia, RSV, and others. Keep safe, everyone! Mas masaya ‘pag healthy!” he wrote.
"COVID-19 never really left." Indeed and apparently health protocols will never leave either.
The governor of Bulacan is encouraging residents to wear face masks.
Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando and Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro advised the Bulakenyos to wear face masks to avoid the spread of respiratory infections and other health-threatening diseases in the province of Bulacan.
The advice was made through Memorandum No. DRF-12122023-658 issued by Fernando on Tuesday, Dec. 12.
Although not obligatory, individuals in health facilities, those with Covid-19 or respiratory infections, the elderly, individuals with underlying health conditions, pregnant individuals, unvaccinated individuals, and those showing signs of illness are advised to wear face masks as a precautionary measure.
“Let us maintain good health in the province. This is the foundation of a happy and progressive community," Fernando said.
Wearing face mask is part of "the foundation of a happy progressive community."
At least health authorities in the Cordillera region acknowledge that wearing a face mask is not mandatory. They still encourage it though.
Health authorities in the Cordillera region are calling on the public to wear masks when in public places to reduce the chances of virus transmission, as the weather gets colder.
“It is not mandatory but we encourage the public, especially if you have flu or is not feeling well, to wear a mask to avoid transmission of any illness to loved ones and the public when going out of your residence,” Dr. Rio Magpantay, director of the Department of Health - Cordillera, said in a media interview on Friday.
He said people should always remember the experience during the pandemic when the use of masks was mandatory to avoid being infected or infecting others.
“We all know what masks do to protect us, let us not forget that,” he said.
Marie Ruby Magsino, a nurse at the city health office, in a phone interview, said Acting City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes encouraged residents and visitors to wear face masks as respiratory and influenza-like illnesses are expected, especially when temperatures drop during the "ber" months until February of the following year.
Why are they still reporting the lie that the flimsy face masks available to the public offer any protection from viruses?
The Mayor of Manila is also advising resident to wear face masks in public.
The city government of Manila on Tuesday advised residents to wear face masks and be vigilant in places of convergence or crowded areas, especially in gatherings this Christmas season.
Mayor Honey Lacuna made the call based on the advice from the Department of Health (DOH) for the people to adhere to basic health standards amid a reported rise in coronavirus cases.
She noted the need to continue wearing properly fitting face masks, washing hands frequently, staying in well-ventilated areas, and immediately isolating themselves if they are displaying symptoms of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
"This appeal especially goes for those who have co-morbidities or are in the senior age group who are more prone to getting infected. Since attending gatherings cannot be helped owing to the holidays, at least be extra careful and wear a face mask," she added in a statement.
Lacuna also called on residents to heed the advice of the DOH to wear face masks when taking public transportation.
Covid-19 is still present despite the lifting of restrictions, she said, noting that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. himself contracted the disease recently.
Even the Church is advising people to wear face masks.
Archdiocese of Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula has advised Catholics on Friday to observe health safety protocols in their celebration of the Christmas season.
In a circular, Cardinal Advincula told the faithful to wear face masks and observe hand hygiene, and that sick people should stay at home.
On December 16, Filipino Catholics will begin the Simbang Gabi tradition, a series of nine masses until Christmas Eve.
“Heeding the recommendations of the Ministry on Health Care of the Archdiocese of Manila, we request our communities to observe the health and safety protocols. Let us practice voluntary wearing of face masks and hand hygiene. Those who are ill must be reminded to stay at home so as not to spread infection,” Cardinal Advincula said.
Cardinal Advincula added that reports on the rising number of case of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 should not hinder the people from embracing and relishing the joys of the Christmas season.
“We continue to receive reports about incidences of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. But we will not allow them to deprive us of Christmas joy,” he added.
Advincula likewise added that observance of health protocols will be gestures of charity and compassion to other people, especially those who are vulnerable.
“Let these measures be our gesture of charity and compassion for others, especially those who are vulnerable,” he said.
Show your charity and compassion by wearing a flimsy piece of paper on your face.
The DOH has said there is no need to return to mandatory masking and even says COVID-19 is no longer an emergency but is now just like the flu.
While there has been a slight uptick in the number of COVID-19 cases, the Department of Health (DOH) is not keen on supporting the return of mandatory masking.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa on Friday said the cases, which are indeed increasing, have not yet reached an alarming rate and the trend is expected to continue as the holiday season nears.
“There are certain hospitals that already implemented stricter masking policies, like the PGH (Philippine General Hospital), but that doesn’t mean the DOH is saying we should all wear a mask again,” Herbosa told a press conference.
Herbosa noted that the public health emergency has already been downgraded and that COVID-19 is no longer a big health risk as it once was. He added that implementing mask mandates are relative to private or public institutions but not compulsory to the general public.
The trend of COVID-19, he said, is still being monitored since this can still be fatal to senior citizens and those with comorbidities, but for now there’s only been a “minimal increase” in new cases.
“During the season there’s a higher incidence of acute respiratory infections because there are a lot of parties, many family reunions, more people in shopping malls, more people in public places,” Herbosa said.
“But we shouldn’t be worried about COVID-19 anymore because according to our infectious diseases experts, the most recent COVID variant of interest is just like the common flu and cough,” Herbosa added.
According to Herbosa, there were 193,148 Influenza-like illnesses reported nationwide this year, which was 33 percent higher than last year.
Two of the country’s most prominent business groups on Friday also agreed that there was no need to restore mandatory masking despite the rise in COVID-19 infections.
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president George Barcelon said that while they were conscious of the trend, a “granular” approach is more suited to handle areas where cases of the infectious disease are rising.
"We shouldn't be worried anymore about COVID-19?" One would not know that form al the mixed messages floating around.
The DOH is not only saying COVID-19 is no longer an emergency but is also sayin that vaccination is "not the solution."
The government is accepting the COVAX Facility’s offer to donate one million doses of monovalent vaccines that target the Omicron XBB variant.
“It will be in two tranches of 500,000 each. This is so that we can still have access. Remember that vaccine now is not needed by the general population because many have already been vaccinated,” Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said yesterday.
Those who will receive these monovalent XBB vaccines are the “at risk” population – senior citizens and people with comorbidities.
“If you are a young individual with COVID-19 vaccine, you will not be needing this,” added Herbosa.
There is no budget allocated for COVID 19-vaccines for next year, the Department of Health (DOH) said.
At a press briefing Friday, Herbosa said COVID-19 vaccines are not covered anymore under the DOH’s budget.
“We’ve vaccinated 74 million Filipinos with (COVID-19) primary doses and boosters and then there are about 5 million Filipinos infected through natural immunity, thus high is the number of Filipinos who are already immune against COVID-19,” said Herbosa.
For new vaccines, the DOH chief said they haven’t also allotted budget for such.
“It is still in the experimental phase so we are still awaiting final registration before we can procure them and subject it to the evaluation/assessment of the Health Technology Assessment Council,” he added.
Herbosa stressed. “What I will emphasize to the public is that vaccine is not the solution (now). We learned that the solution is minimum public health standards, and managing your own personal risks.”
“This is the change narrative. During the pandemic, the government tried to protect everyone. Now, it is time to assess or manage individual risk. If you are ‘high risk,’ why will you shift to ‘risky’ behavior?” the health official said.
Herbosa explained, “This is now the DOH’s approach. Whatever your risks are, that is what you need to monitor. And for every person, the risks differ. This is now our approach as to the issue of the need for vaccines.” Herbosa said.
Now they are changing the narrative and their approach. So why continue with the vaccination program?
Senator Lito Lapid wants to revise the quarantine system. What he wants to do is restore military rank to quarantine officials so that if there is another pandemic the Philippine Quarantine Authority will be able to act swiftly and decisively.
A senator is pushing to revise the government’s quarantine system to better and effectively combat outbreaks and epidemics.
In Senate Bill No. 2508 or the Philippine Quarantine Authority (PQA) Act, Senator Lito Lapid underscored the need for a robust and adaptive public health infrastructure.
Lapid said it could be attained by transforming the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) into the Philippine Quarantine Authority and restoring the military ranks to its officials to fortify their authority in dealing with outbreaks and public health emergencies.
“By returning military ranks to quarantine officials, the PQA will be empowered to act swiftly and decisively, ensuring the immediate implementation of quarantine measures and the enforcement of public health protocols,” Lapid said in his explanatory note.
The proposed conversion to the PQA is grounded in the recognition of the need for a certain level of coercive authority to effectively manage and mitigate the impact of outbreaks and public health emergencies similar to what happened during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“By learning from the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, this bill seeks to equip the country with the necessary tools and authority to effectively manage outbreaks and epidemics, protecting the health and well-being of our citizens,“ he added.
The creation of the PQA is complementary to the Philippine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Act, he said, adding that while the latter focuses on research activities, the new body will serve as the regulatory and implementing agency responsible for executing and enforcing regulations on the ground.
This synergy ensures a comprehensive and coordinated approach to public health management, aligning research efforts with practical measures for effective disease prevention and control.
In effect he is saying the Philippine government needs even more control and authority to curtail liberties in the event of an emergency. We saw how that played out around the world during the pandemic and it did not go well.
Translacion is coming back next year.
The traslacion or grand procession of the iconic image of the Black Nazarene is likely to make a return early next year.
In an advisory Thursday, the Quiapo Church said a walk-through of the route of the "Traslacion" would be held on Saturday.
"We are inviting you on December 16, at 5 am, at the Quirino Grandstand for the walk through of the route of the procession of the traslacion, which is part of our preparations for the celebration of Nazareno 2024," it said.
The activity will include officials of the church, government agencies, and other stakeholders in the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9, 2024.
The procession is held annually, where hundreds of thousands of devotees join the activity starting at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park and ending at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or Quiapo Church in Quezon Blvd.
In 2021, the grand procession was shelved due to the coronavirus disease pandemic.
For this year, the Quiapo Church introduced the "Walk of Faith" procession
The last traslacion (transfer or moving) was held in January 2020, two months before the Duterte administration declared a nationwide lockdown due to the pandemic.
Another sign that everything is back to normal.
In the past week daily COVID-19 cases have surged by 50%.
The daily confirmed COVID-19 infections nationwide rose by 50 percent over the past week, data from the Department of Health (DOH) showed.
The seven-day average cases rose from 260 to 389, according to the latest DOH weekly bulletin.
Of the 2,725 individuals found positive for the virus based on laboratory tests last week, 16 were in severe or critical condition.
Sixteen more people died of COVID-19 this December, the DOH said.
This brought the official COVID-19 death toll to 66,795 out of 4.1 million confirmed infections since the pandemic began in early 2020.
The national average hospital bed occupancy for COVID-19 cases nevertheless remained at low risk.
The DOH reported that allotted intensive care unit (ICU) beds and non-ICU beds for COVID-19 patients are 12.9 percent and 18.3 percent occupied.
At least 1,983 COVID-19 patients are currently admitted, including 211 patients who are in serious or critical condition.
The admissions comprise about 45 percent of at least 4,334 individuals known to have been infected with the virus as of Dec. 15.
However, health authorities have allayed concerns over the “slight uptick” in detected COVID-19 cases in recent weeks.
Guess you better wear that mask after all.
