Most vulnerable sectors need protection – Go

SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Tuesday urged the government to ensure that the most vulnerable continue to be protected against Covid-19 as the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the virus continues to be a public health emergency of international concern.

“I would like to stress the continued need to protect the most vulnerable members of our society against Covid-19 as international health experts affirm that the Covid-19 remains an international health emergency,” the chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography said.

“The pandemic has brought to light the disparities and inequalities within our communities, and it is our responsibility to address and rectify these issues,” he added.

Go noted that the elderly, those with underlying health conditions, and essential workers continue to be at a higher risk of contracting the virus and experiencing severe symptoms.

“These groups of people have borne the brunt of the pandemic, and it is imperative that they continue to receive the necessary support and protection during this time,” he stressed.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in his remarks at the Emergency Committee’s 14th meeting on January 27 this year, said that the time may not be right to lift the international emergency.

WHO also noted that the pandemic is “probably at a transition point that requires careful management to mitigate potential negative consequences.”

In addition, WHO found that Covid-19 still causes more deaths than other respiratory infectious diseases, vaccine uptake is insufficient in low- and middle-income countries as well as among those at highest risk, and that there is uncertainty associated with emerging variants of Covid-19.