NKTI to public: Strictly follow health protocols amid Delta variant threat

The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) urged the public to strictly obey the different health protocols amid the threat of the more contagious Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus.
"As it is reported that the Delta variant rapidly takes off and spreads between people more efficiently than other variants, our increased social mixing and social mobility further contributes to this spread," said NKTI Executive Director Rose Marie Rosete-Liquete in a statement on Wednesday, July 28.
"That is why, I would like to remind everyone to avoid unnecessary travels and social gatherings. If not possible, adhere to the minimum public health standards," she added.
Rosete-Liquete urged the public to avoid crowded, enclosed, and poorly ventilated areas; wear a face mask and face shield when going out, maintain a physical distance of at least one meter from others, and frequently clean the hands with soap and water or alcohol.
She also urged the public to get vaccinated against the viral illness.
"COVID-19 vaccines offer the best protection against these variants...While different vaccines vary in efficacy, remember that the main goal of vaccination is to prevent severe disease, hospitalization, and lowering its transmission," said Rosete-Liquete.
"Immunizing a greater population means cutting the transmission, as there are fewer people that can get infected," she added.
The NKTI official emphasized that by following the health protocols and getting vaccinated, the public can protect themselves against COVID-19 as well as their respective families.
"Let us not only do our part, but also protect ourselves of the serious consequences of this virus as we all continue to fight and remain vigilant," said Rosete-Liquete.