Duterte in an interview with James Galay on Monday (Mar. 21) livestreamed via her Facebook Page said health experts are not discounting the possibility of another surge to erupt due to Omicron BA.2.
“There will be an upcoming surge due to a sub variant of Omicron. The surge will come in one to two months so we have to get boosted and vaccinated,” Duterte said. She based her statement on the findings of the health experts.
The Davao City Covid-19 Task Force which Duterte chairs is holding a regular meeting to discuss the state of the city in relation to Covid-19 and Omicron variants.
Duterte addresses her call to those who are not yet vaccinated and to those who have yet to get their booster shot or third dose against Covid-19.
“So use masks, observe social distance and get vaccinated or boosted especially those with comorbidities,” Duterte added saying there is still enough time to get vaccinated before the projected Omicron BA.2 surge.
She however reminded the public not to panic reiterating her message that as long as she does not panic, there is no reason for Dabawenyos to panic.
Duterte assured there will be no lockdowns and home isolations will be allowed for those who do not need hospitalization.
“Our direction is no lockdowns. There will be home isolation except for those who have lingering illnesses who need to be hospitalized,” she said.
When asked if the negative RTPCR result of the patient and one watcher remains as a requirement among hospitals, she said, this will depend upon the internal rules of the hospitals.
The question came as such a requirement created a heavy toll on patients and their families given the costly charge for swabbing.
The city government through Duterte’s Executive Orders has lifted basically all restrictions when Davao City was placed under Alert Level 1 due to constant drop of Covid-19 cases.
Based on the Department of Health Region 11 Covid-19 case bulletin in Region 11 as of March 21, “healthcare utilization shows regional hospital capacity of 25.5% non-ICU bed use and 39.6% ICU bed use.
Presidential daughter Davao City Mayor and vice presidential candidate Sara Duterte speaks to Dabawenyos during her State of the City Address.