Covid-19 measures still on

Vaccination against Covid-19 goes on, with weekly schedules posted at the Baguio City Health Services Office (HSO) online account City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) head Dr. Donnabel Tubera-Panes announced during the City Hall Hour media forum last week.

Measures against Covid are ongoing as it was mentioned that in February, there were 28 Covid-19 cases; in March, 56; April, 169 and May, 394; obviously on an upward trend.

She also revealed that as of date, there are 96 patients admitted in hospitals, most of whom are unboostered and unvaccinated. Individual vaccination records should be updated, she said, and unboostered individuals should get booster shots.

The antibodies effect from vaccines which protect the body diminishes with time, thus the need for booster shots, she added.

Panes also revealed that a Covid variety of interest, Arturus was seen in a 24-year old without travel history. “It is not a variety of concern, as the dominant variety now is BA 1.9” she intimated.

Even as Covid is not anymore of international concern as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO), transmission is ongoing, Dr. Panes pointed out, as evidenced by the increase of cases in the city.

Crowd-drawing events especially during the holidays is also a factor towards the increase, Panes said, including lapses in minimum public health protocols.

The lady physician however is elated with the issuance of Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s Executive Order for masking up. A properly-fitted mask is best for our protection, with physical distancing, adequate air circulation and proper ventilation, she added.

We adhere to health protocols so as not to overwhelm the city’s health facilities, she ended. – JGFianza