A proper response to Covid-19 in the New Year

In terms of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Philippines welcomed 2023 from a much better position than the year before. In January 2022, the presence of the then new omicron variant—coupled with the increased risk of transmission due to the holidays—resulted in an unprecedented surge of Covid-19 cases. at the time, the weekly positivity rate rose from 0.9 percent in mid-december to 47 percent in the early days of January. In fact, the highest number of reported cases ever at 200,208 was recorded from January 6 to January 12, 2022.

This year, in stark contrast, De- partment of Health (DOH) data showed that the weekly positivity rate from January 2 to January 8 was at 4.2 percent; slightly lower than the 5.5 percent recorded from December 26, 2022 to January 1, 2023 and well below the five-percent benchmark set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Amid these positive developments on our shores, the exponential surge of Covid-19 cases in China has begun to alarm many countries. Since the country’s decision to move away from its controversial zerocovid policy, increased Covid-19 cases have been observed within its borders. The media has even reported alleged overcrowding in crematoriums and funeral homes due to Covid-19. Consequently, countries began to impose travel restrictions against those coming from China. For instance, countries including the United States, France, UK, Japan, Italy are now requiring negative tests either pre-f light or upon arrival. Morocco has even gone to the extreme of banning travelers from China.

WHO Director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that “it is understandable that some countries are taking steps they believe will protect their own citizens.” Meanwhile the DOH sees “no need” yet to reimpose travel restrictions for those coming from China, though the department made it clear that the Philippines has intensified its monitoring and health protocols. For instance, DOH noted that it has coordinated with the country’s ports for a thorough review of submitted health declaration forms as well as proper procedures for symptomatic and positive passengers.

The current surge being reported in China should not be taken lightly especially since most restrictions aimed at curbing transmission, including the wearing of face masks, have already been relaxed. Lest we risk sharing the same fate as our neighbor, the DOH and the whole-of-government should take advantage of the country’s relatively low positivity rate to implement preparatory measures so that—in the event of another surge—filipinos infected by the virus will be given the proper care and attention and economic activity will not be hampered. Such measures include ensuring that we have enough stocks of vaccines (including bivalent booster doses), medicines, medical peripherals, and other equipment necessary for our health systems; and, formulating strategies for affected Filipinos in case lockdowns are reimposed.

In short, a complacent approach to the still present pandemic will not do especially since a considerable number of Filipinos has yet to avail themselves of booster vaccines. DOH data as of January 10, 2023 shows that around 73 million Filipinos have already completed the first series of Covid-19 vaccination; however, only a little over 21 million have availed themselves of booster doses. Moreover, of the 6.9 million senior citizens who have been administered with the first and second doses, only 2.7 million were able to get booster shots. Low booster availment could potentially have a significant impact amid the new Omicron XBB.1.5 strain dubbed “Kraken”, which the WHO noted is the “most transmissible sub-variant that has been detected yet.”

With constant developments on Covid-19 and the quick emergence of new strains, it should already be evident that the world will have to live with this virus for a very long time. And while recent variants no longer cause as much harm as its predecessors, the government and its people should look into availing of all possible options to ensure that outbreaks such as those in the past would not happen again.

Senator Sonny Angara has been in public service for 18 years—9 years as Representative of the Lone District of Aurora, and 9 as Senator. He has authored, co-authored, and sponsored more than 330 laws. He is currently serving his second term in the Senate.