Health experts under fire

DILG probes violations in public gathering

A group of health experts recently conducted a gathering dubbed as #FlattenTheFearPH that proposed for the complete lifting of lockdown to the national government

As officials continue to remind the public of following existing minimum health standards, the Department of Health (DoH) on Monday reiterated that sanctions will be imposed against its violators.

This came after a group of health experts recently conducted a gathering dubbed as #FlattenTheFearPH that proposed for the complete lifting of lockdown to the national government.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that based on the recording of the video which they’ve seen, most of the attendees of the event were not wearing masks while conducting a public gathering which is still not allowed by the current protocols.

This was a very alarming situation and we all know that the virus is not yet gone.

“When this was reported to us, we were able to relay it immediately to the Department of the Interior of Local Government (DILG) so they are investigating right now and whatever is there in their findings, necessary sanctions will be meted out,” she said.

She likewise urged the group, the Concerned Doctors and Citizens of the Philippines (CDC Ph), along with other experts to instead recommend treatments that are already approved with enough scientific basis.

This is regarding the group’s proposal on the use of hydroxychloroquine as a prophylaxis treatment against COVID-19.

Earlier Vergeire pointed out that this anti-malarial drug has been removed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its solidarity trial after adverse effects such as in the heart and in other organs have been reported.

It is likewise not advisable to use it with any antiviral agent or with a macrolide on COVID-19 patients that are probable and confirmed as well as for those in the mild to early stages.

“We should never recommend any medication to the public without sufficient evidence,” she said, noting that it could further harm the public with its unregulated use.

Nonetheless, Vergeire said that the IATF still has its doors open for more recommendations by other sectors but reminding that it should be done through proper platforms that are not violating any of the said protocols.

On the other hand, the DoH has likewise tapped the DILG regarding the lack of physical distancing among visitors of the Manila Bay in its first opening over the weekend.

She said it is imperative that despite these kinds of development adherence to the minimum health standards should at all times be observed.

“This was a very alarming situation and we all know that the virus is not yet gone,” she said.