Be responsible, save lives — Sen. Go
Even medical frontliners are nearing breaking point. Let’s not add to the burden of hospitals
As the National Capital Region and four major provinces revert to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) at least until 18 August, Filipinos are reminded anew to do their share in helping curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Observe health protocols, such as proper wearing of masks with shields if possible, follow social distancing, avoid non-essential travels and be conscious of hygiene like frequent washing of hands.
“Until a vaccine is developed, observing health and safety protocols is our best defense,” Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said.
Go, chair of the Committee on Health and Demography, said the government cannot do it alone.
“Even medical frontliners are nearing breaking point.
Let’s not add to the burden of hospitals. Preventing the spread of COVID-19 starts with us in our homes and by being responsible citizens,” Go said.
Residents of MECQ areas are particularly directed to stay at home unless they are conducting essential activities, such as buying food and medicine. All public transportation and non-essential establishments also stopped operations anew.
Go appealed to the public to show support and empathy for all frontliners, saying “they are sacrificing their own lives to save others. In our own way of showing our compassion and through our cooperation, we can save their lives as well.”
Go also reminded the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases and the National Task Force on COVID-19 to strictly implement necessary measures to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. In particular, he recommended that local government units intensify the localized lockdown strategy and the implementation of “Oplan Kalinga” to help health workers trace COVID-19 cases.
“We should also strictly enforce guidelines for minimum health standards and provide free masks for the poor,” Go said, adding that “buying locally-made masks can save or even create jobs, while providing the right kind of masks to those who cannot afford their own will help save lives.”
He advised everyone not to leave their residences and avoid small talks that may seem harmless but can spread the disease through droplets.
“If the household needs to buy stuff, it’s better to designate just one person to go out,” Go said.
As of 4 August, there are a total of 112,593 confirmed cases of COVID-19, placing the Philippines second in Southeast Asia behind Indonesia.
The Department of Health reported a total of 66,049 recoveries, with 44,429 active cases remaining.