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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH Red Cross readies for Omicron variant

PH Red Cross readies for Omicron variant

Published Nov 30, 2021 10:31 pm

Philippine Red Cross' (PRC) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Senator Dick Gordon has directed the PRC executive management to do the necessary preparations in case the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) variant hits Philippine shores, the organization said on Tuesday. Nov. 30.

(Photo from the Philippine Red Cross / MANILA BULLETIN)

In a statement, PRC said that Gordon has also tasked the management to purchase personal protective equipment, strengthen its molecular laboratories or testing centers, and aggressively support the government’s national vaccination program.

He has also ordered PRC Chapters nationwide to prepare all necessary equipment to combat COVID-19. Among the initiatives of PRC are the 14 molecular laboratories, 17 Bakuna Buses, 25 Bakuna centers, emergency field hospitals, medical tents, isolation facilities, food trucks, and negative pressure ambulance

Gordon urged the public not to let its guard down despite recording COVID-19 below 1,000 a day since the second week of November since "viruses mutate all the time".

"While we prepare all our assets that will combat COVID-19, it is important as individuals to prevent it by practising health protocols. It is not the time to be complacent. We should wear a mask when going out, protect our eyes by using a shield or goggles, social distancing, hand hygiene as often as possible, no unnecessary travel, and get vaccinated!" Gordon said.

“The Philippine Red Cross, as a partner of choice of other humanitarian organizations and national societies around the globe operates with following the four Ps. Predict. Plan. Prepare. Practice. That is why the Red Cross will be ready. I hope the entire country will be too,” he added. PRC said that social distancing and limited population movement continues to be the best defense to winning the war against COVID-19 because breakthrough infections among vaccinated have been recorded and some people even died.

“Let’s all keep our guard up, the pandemic is not yet over! Get tested so you can protect your loved ones, even those who are fully vaccinated can carry the virus and infect the unvaccinated,” Gordon said.

Meanwhile, according to the PRC Health Services, the PRC Bakuna Centers administered 1,909 doses, while the PRC Bakuna Buses provided 6,487 on the first day of the national vaccination program. The PRC also deployed hundreds of its volunteers and staff to support local government-run Bakuna Centers to provide over 4,607 doses.

Related Tags

Philippine Red Cross (PRC) COVID-19 pandemic Philippine Red Cross covid-19 covid-19 vaccination program COVID-19 vaccines PRC Omicron covid-19 vaccine OMICRON VARIANT omicron threat
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