FOR two consecutive days, Davao Region recorded over 200 new Covid-19 cases.
On January 9, the Department of Health in Davao Region (DOH-Davao) recorded 229 new cases. This is 16 percent of the 1,445 individuals whose specimens were tested by the five Covid-19 laboratories in the region.
On January 10, 231 new Covid-19 cases were recorded. This is 15 percent of the 1,518 individuals who were tested by four of the five laboratories in the region.
Davao City has also been consistently in the top five of DOH's list of areas with the highest number of newly recorded Covid-19 cases. On some days, the city even placed first.
As we wait for the virtual press conference of DOH-Davao and Davao City's Covid-19 weekly update, this could probably be the expected post-holiday surge of new cases.
Throughout December and during the first week of January, local government and health officials have mentioned several times how they are expecting a surge of new cases. However, Davao City Covid-19 focal person Dr. Ashley Lopez said they did not see a surge post-Christmas celebrations and are now expecting a post-New Year surge.
According to the World Health Organization, "the incubation period of Covid-19, which is the time between exposure to the virus and symptom onset, is on average five to six days, but can be as long as 14 days." Between December 31 until now, the incubation period of the disease fits within the timeline.
Therefore, it will not be surprising to see Davao City recording daily spikes of new Covid-19 cases in the coming days. While it may not sound good, the early detection of these cases will do us more good than harm. In a way, transmissions will be halted before it spreads any further.
During these times and with the expected post-New Year surge, the public must make extra caution in protecting themselves from being infecting. This can be done by properly observing minimum health standards like the wearing of a face mask, observing social distancing, and regular washing of hands with soap and water.
It would also help to regularly check yourself for any signs and symptoms. If ever you are not feeling well, be sure to stay at home and limit your contact with other people. As much as possible, get a medical check-up if you have symptoms related to Covid-19. If the doctor tells you to get tested, get tested. Better to be safe than sorry.
Employers might also want to check on their employees to see who is feeling well or not as an extra precaution.
Covid-19 is still around and it is real, whether you believe it or not. As we wait for the availability of the vaccine, we have to discipline ourselves in living in a new normal.