We need strategies that make sense
Now MIT experts say that the worst is yet to come, and that based on research in 84 countries, 12 cases are unrecorded for every recorded case. Further, the scientists reveal that for every two Covid-19 deaths counted, a third is misattributed to other causes. What are these figures saying? Simple: cases will rise and more people will die in the absence of a medical breakthrough. Without a vaccine, the virus will be around for a while.
Just a few days ago, a journalist came out with a story about how he was questioned by authorities for lifting his mask to drink some water as he was taking a break from biking. He was brought to an area, together with hundreds of other people, to listen to a seminar on the proper way to use a facemask.
Stories like this make one shake his head in disbelief because it simply doesn’t make sense. Putting people together in the same area for an extended period of time increases the risk of Covid-19 infection. Global records have shown that cases are often linked to events where people gather in large numbers. In other countries, this is part of the tightest restrictions— no public gathering. What are our officials missing?
In Taguig City last Wednesday, at least 327 construction
workers out of 691 workers in one site have tested positive for Covid-19. This is according to the Taguig City government.
Aside from being linked to public gatherings, experience and studies in recent months have shown that infection is high among workers who live in cramped accommodation. “Loud places where workers stand close to one another, often yelling to make themselves hear over the clatter of machinery, [create] ideal conditions for the virus to spread.” Isn’t this the condition in
construction sites? Knowing this, what must our LGUS do?
As time passed since the outbreak started, we now know more things about the virus. For example, the conditions that exacerbate its spread: “Being at close quarters for a prolonged period of time, in a large crowd, and taking part in activities that lead people to breathe out forcefully [for example, singing, shouting, and heavy exercise].”
And only recently, the World Health Organization confirmed that the virus is airborne. It means that it can linger in the air for some time, especially in places without ventilation. Knowing these things from medical experts in the field must inform the strategies and campaigns, the policies and rules being implemented by the national and local governments, down to the barangay level. Rules must make sense so people will follow them.
Now MIT experts say that the worst is yet to come, and that based on research in 84 countries, 12 cases are unrecorded for every recorded case. Further, the scientists reveal that for every two Covid-19 deaths counted, a third is misattributed to other causes. What are these figures saying? Simple: cases will rise and more people will die in the absence of a medical breakthrough. Without a vaccine, the virus will be around for a while.
Knowing these things now, what must our leaders do? What is an intelligent strategy? And what should be our responsibilities as citizens of this nation?