IN MY recent contribution to the opinion section of SunStar Pampanga, I mentioned about a growing number of Covid-19 cases in Magalang town. Victims were municipal elected officials, municipal officials and employees, and private individuals.
Appalled by this saddened development, I emphasized the need for strict observance of health protocols like wearing of face masks and face shields and social distancing. I also emphatically proposed to the present local leadership to conduct contact tracing and swab testing in proper coordination with municipal health unit and barangay officials.
This will in effect identify who have symptoms. Who are in state of assymptomatics and positive of Coronavirus.
While it is true this will incur additional budget on the part of the municipal government, there is much to gain out of this idea. My proposal falls on deaf ears, hence totally being ignored.
According to the latest available data from the Magalang Municipal Health Unit, there are more than one hundred new Covid 19 Cases reported from sixteen barangay. In fact, the mayor of Magalang is also a Covid-19 victim. Fortunately, he is reportedly completely cured and well rested.
These annoying circumstances spike fears and anxieties to the people of Magalang.
The possible causes in the increase of Covid-19 cases as I’ve always reiterated is the unabated throwing of garbage in practically every main thorough fare of the town of Magalang.
On top of this, there is the proliferation of illegal vendors occupying sidewalks, selling juices, beverages and personal belongings. Seemingly, they ignore health protocols. And what is so disgusting they hamper the flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
I urge the office of the Municipal Health Officer to oversee the operation of illegal vendors to protect the health and safety of the people of Magalang. In so doing, I am quite sure the surge of Covid-19 will end.
May I also knock on the doors of every Magaleno to extend your helping hand in solving the global disease. Let us not just rely on the government efforts and patronage.