Mati-IMT cautions residents of surge as restrictions eased

THE City Government of Mati warned of a possible surge following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

In a statement on April 1, 2022, the City of Mati-Incident Management Team (IMT) urged its residents to be cautious of social gatherings that could cause transmission of Covid-19 following the recent placement of Mati City under the Alert Level 1 system.

According to Ben Tesiorna of the City Information Office, the Alert Level 1 in the city entails more relaxed restrictions, including the lifting of social distancing and full capacity of establishments. He also noted incoming national events particularly the Holy Week and the May 9 elections.

"Atong mga silingan nga nasud, nag hinay-hinay na pud og buto ang Omicron, so kana na butang dapat nato huna-hunaon is dapat mangamdam pud ta (The surge is breaking out in other countries so we should be preparing as well)," Tesiorna said, referring to the emerging BA.2 sub-variant of the novel coronavirus.

With this, more quarantine facilities are being prepared, including those at the barangay level, to handle Covid-19 patients, according to IMT-Mati commander Dr. Ben Hur Catbagan Jr.

The Alert Level 1 restriction also allows intrazonal and interzonal travel for all ages including those with comorbidities. Barriers or dividers are also optional for establishments.

IMT-Mati is also strengthening its vaccination drive, especially for the population group of five to 11 years old, to give protection despite the lifting of most Covid-19 ordinances.

As of March 31, 80.26 percent of the 125,233 target population has been vaccinated, wherein 89,935 are fully vaccinated while 100,517 received the first dose.

"Mag amdam ta na mo-respond ana. Ang isa ana, tanan barangay nabisita na sa IMT, natudluan na sila unsaon pag pangandam, unsaon pag respond, naa na sila'y listahan," Tesiorna said.

(We are preparing our response strategy. The IMT has visited barangays to teach them how to prepare and respond properly. They have a list of guidelines to follow.)

Tesiorna said the City Government is reminding the public to strictly wear their face masks since most of the restrictions have been lifted.