CADIZ City Mayor Salvador Escalante, Jr. reminded everyone that Covid-19 is still around and that those having co-morbidities should still wear masks in public.
Escalante made the reminder as one of the city's department heads and two national government department heads are now on self-quarantine after they tested positive for Covid-19 and are having symptoms.
Escalante said health protocols are no longer practiced everywhere.
On April 15, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor tested positive for Covid-19 while Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas also tested positive two weeks ago.
Escalante said many could be positive for Covid-19, but they are not officially recorded anymore.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH WV CHD) encouraged all eligible individuals who have yet to avail of their Covid-19 booster doses to do so in their local health units.
In an advisory, the DOH WV CHD stated that Covid-19 vaccination and booster doses continue to be safe and effective against the Covid-19 disease. It provides the best long-term protection against the virus and its complications, especially among senior citizens and immunocompromised individuals.
In Western Visayas, more than 5.3 million out of the 5.6 million target, or 94 percent, have been fully vaccinated. However, booster dose coverage remains low at 17.53% for the first booster and 1.92% for the second booster. Second booster doses are given to healthcare workers, senior citizens, individuals with co-morbidities, and other vulnerable groups.
The DOH WV CHD re-emphasized the need for Covid-19 vaccination as other areas in the country noted an increase in Covid-19 cases especially among the unvaccinated.
While cases and healthcare utilization rates remain low in the region, the DOH WV CHD continues to remind the public to sustain the preventive and control measures against Covid-19. Aside from vaccination, wearing face masks in crowded and closed spaces or gatherings is still encouraged to mitigate transmission not only of Covid-19 but also of other respiratory diseases. If symptoms manifest, it is best to isolate yourself, refrain from interacting with others, and seek consultation at the nearest health facility for proper medical attention.
It is also best to remind others to keep rooms well-ventilated, avoid crowded areas, frequently wash or sanitize hands, and protect themselves by getting vaccinated, the advisory further stated.*