THE country is currently seeing a high number of new Covid-19 cases daily.

Davao Region is not spared. Despite health authorities saying that there has been a noticeable decrease in Covid-19 cases, new cases remain to be between 250 to nearly 500 cases per day. However, we have to take into account that on days where testing is low, cases also tend to be lower.

One of the biggest concerns of the country now is the presence of the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) of the Sars-CoV-2. The Delta variant was detected in the Philippines on May 11 -- two returning overseas Filipinos.

First detected in India, DOH said the variant is associated with evading immune protection, reduced anti-body neutralization, and increased transmissibility.

As of August 5, there are already 450 confirmed Delta cases. However, it should be noted that among the Delta cases, 428 have already recovered. Based on the latest numbers, there are 12 active cases and nine have died. In Davao Region, there are eight confirmed Delta cases, all of which have recovered.

Despite the “good” figures, we should not be complacent with these numbers. Remember that the Delta variant is more transmissible than the original and other variants. On July 23, the government has confirmed that there is now a local transmission of the Delta variant in the country.

In response, the local government unit in Davao City and DOH-Davao are gearing up for another possible surge of Covid-19.

Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) chief Dr. Ricardo Audan assured that the hospital has sufficient mechanical ventilators and high-flow oxygen nasal cannula. They are also increasing their oxygen supply to ensure that no shortage will happen.

It should be noted that SPMC also has two oxygen plants, with six oxygen generators, which can produce 873 tons per day. But since the daily consumption of the hospital has increased to 1,123, the hospital has tapped other manufacturers for supply. The hospital also has an upcoming hyperbaric oxygen plant that will open this month, which can produce 300 tons of oxygen tanks.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said the City Government has also distributed personal protective equipment (PPE) to private hospitals.

“Naa napud ang mga (There are already the) mechanical ventilators, upat ni sila kabuok (four in total). The recipients are four hospitals. We are already talking about the oxygen tanks that are needed for the surge, and talking about the capacity sa atong (of our) oxygen manufacturer suppliers in case of surge,” the mayor said in an interview on 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio.

The Davao City Economic Enterprise is also coordinating with oxygen tank manufacturers on the supply of oxygen tanks in the city in preparation for a possible surge.

The mayor also revealed that the city is planning to establish its own oxygen plant.

“We are looking into, and we already asked for an estimate on how, what, and how much is needed para sa isa ka (for the creation of an)... oxygen plant,” Duterte-Carpio said.

While the government and hospitals prepare for another surge, the public could also do its part in preventing this surge.

The Delta variant still spreads the way how the original variant is being spread. Hence, one of the best things we can do right now and help prevent a surge is following the minimum health protocols. This includes the proper wearing of a face mask and face shield, frequent hand-washing or sanitizing, and physical distancing.

When you have an influenza-like illness or Covid-19 symptoms, self-isolate and consult with your doctor. Then, get tested if instructed to do so. By knowing your status, you will be able to get proper treatment, especially if you are symptomatic.

Lastly, we encourage you to get vaccinated. The vaccines that are currently being administered are proven to help prevent hospitalization and prevent the condition of some patients from worsening.

Let’s do the work together and prevent another surge from happening.