IT WAS a suspenseful wait following the announcement of Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte Carpio on Monday that the Inter-Agency Task Force for the management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) informed them in advance that it has been recommended that the city will revert to a general community quarantine (GCQ).
While some may say that a GCQ may not be that different from a modified GCQ (MGCQ), there is actually a difference when you look at it closely. For example, more businesses have been allowed to resume under an MGCQ, which means that businesses can start their recovery efforts from the losses incurred when restrictions were put in place. Reverting to a GCQ means it will be more difficult for businesses to get back on their feet.
Therefore, it was a bit of a sigh of relief when it was announced that Davao City and the rest of Davao Region will continue to remain under MGCQ medium risk. This means that the local government units in the region will need to observe strict health protocols to ensure that the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is controlled.
While there is no vaccine or treatment available yet, we have no choice but to co-exist with the virus, which has been the growing norm in some countries after months of restrictions. Hence, Davao City residents are urged to continue to observe health safety protocols whether they are at home, at work, or in public places.
Always remember to wear your face mask wherever you go in the city. Be reminded that the city council recently passed legislation that could penalize you for not wearing a mask. Wearing a mask is also for your safety and the people who are with. If you have the virus, it can prevent them from getting infected. If someone has the virus, it can prevent you from getting it. Also, dispose of your face masks properly because it can be considered as medical waste during this pandemic.
Do not forget to regularly wash your hands with soap and water after. Also, do not forget to disinfect commonly touched surfaces. Existing studies of Covid-19 have shown that depending on the kind of surface, the virus can last on these surfaces for several hours to days.
To lower your chances of getting infected with the virus, avoid going to crowded places unless it is for important errands like buying food and medicine. This means to avoid the leisurely trips for now. As much as possible, stay at home while you can. It is good to know that delivery services and curbside pick-ups are made available for the public amid the pandemic.
Lastly, the public must cooperate with the local government unit and health authorities, who have been working tirelessly to put in place policies that will slow the spread of the virus. The cooperation of the residents of Davao City is important in ensuring that the hard work of the health sector and city government are not in vain. To win this fight against Covid-19, the cooperation of the public is important. To heal as one, we have to work together.