Chilly weather may result in more COVID-19 cases, Baguio official warns

BAGUIO CITY – The City Health Service Office (CHSO) here warned the public that the chilly weather that would be felt in the coming months could also bring more coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases.

City Health Officer Dr. Rowena Galpo said that, since the virus attacks the respiratory system, there was a possibility that COVID-19 cases may increase in the months of October to February when temperatures usually dip.

“The prevalent chilly weather this October and succeeding months may possibly become a factor for the increase of COVID-19 cases in Baguio,” Galpo said.

Record showed that for the first 17 days of October, the city has recorded 655 new cases of COVID-19, with 555 recoveries and seven deaths.

With the imminent threat of more COVID-19 cases in the coming months, Galpo advised dressing warmly and keeping one’s self dry during the cold months, and to continue leading a healthy lifestyle like eating healthy, engaging in regular exercise, stopping smoking to strengthen the immune system.

Having regular flu and pneumonia shots for those aged 50 and above would also be beneficial, she said, since older persons were usually more prone to sickness.