Sara warns of new surge if Dabawenyos loosen health standards
Sara warns of new surge if Dabawenyos loosen health standards
DAVAO CITY- Mayor Sara Duterte warned chances of another surge of Covid-19 cases in this city is high if Dabawenyos ignore the need to still follow the standard minimum health standard even in the light of the decreasing cases.

“From low risk, our numbers that are seen as indicators by the Department of Health show a minimal risk. This is a lower classification than low risk. But we are reminding our fellow Dabawenyos, if we continue to disregard the minimum public health standards, particularly on wearing face masks and avoiding mass gatherings, we would expect a surge in the coming month or days,” Sara said on her Monday regular radio program. 

Sara made the statement following the newest Omicron vibrant of Covid-19 that hit some countries particularly the virus host country, South Africa. 

Based on what happened in the past, a new surge may be fueled by mass gatherings, the waning effect of vaccines, and the new Omicron variant. The Omicron, according to her, is what's fueling the COVID-19 surge all across Europe, Sara said. 

Omicron variant cases were detected in South Africa, Botswana, Belgium, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Germany, Israel, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Hong Kong.

Thus, Sara urges Dabawenyos to keep on practicing the minimum public health standards (MPHS) especially in the wake of the new variant and the easing of COVID-19 protocols under Alert Level 2 in the city.  

Alert Level 2 allowed more movement in establishments allowing the entry of seniors and minors, lifting of curfew hours`, modification of the liquor ban, and the removal of the mandatory barriers in public utility jeepneys and motorcycles and the test-before-travel in sea, air, and land travels was also lifted.

Sara said MPHS is not only limited to malls but also offices, restaurants, and public utility vehicles.

The city will strictly implement the MPHS and prevent any mass gathering that is not allowed by the IATF and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) guidelines under Alert Level 2, she said.

"For the past two weeks, it has been a struggle to make people understand that we need to continue with the minimum public health standards we have been implementing and these are the wearing of masks, distancing, frequent handwashing with soap and water, and practicing good hygiene," Sara said . 

Sara also continues to encourage Dabawenyos to get vaccinated as this is the only way to fight the deadly virus.(By Ruth Palo)

Photos: Armando Fenequito Jr.

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