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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Public warned vs complacency as PH records highest positivity rate

Public warned vs complacency as PH records highest positivity rate

Published Aug 23, 2021 02:33 pm

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Monday, Aug. 23, urged the public to be “extra vigilant” as the country recorded the highest and second highest coronavirus disease (COVID-19) positivity rates in two consecutive days.

(JANSEN ROMERO / MANILA BULLETIN)

“We must continue our vigilant stand against the spread of COVID-19,” PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Senator Richard Gordon said.

PRC reminded the public to be cautious especially in following health protocols. This after the Philippines registered the highest positivity rate at 26.1 percent on Aug. 20 followed by second highest at 25.6 percent on Aug. 21.

“Testing, tracing and isolation should continue to form part of our strategy at this time,” Gordon added.

PRC noted that the two-week ECQ appears to have slowed down the surge in Metro Manila. Citing reports from the OCTA Research Group, PRC said that the current R (reproduction rate) is 1.67 -- which is lower than the report a week ago which is 1.9 -- while the growth rate has also gone down to 24 percent from a high of 72 percent three weeks ago.

Gordon also reiterated the need to observe strict health protocols like washing of hands, wearing of face masks and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and social distancing.

PRC said that it will continue to work strenuously in strengthening its COVID-19 response with more molecular laboratories and testing centers and additional hospital tents and isolation facilities.

The country’s foremost humanitarian organization also expressed readiness to provide more food through its food trucks for communities greatly affected by the pandemic restrictions.

PRC also continues to provide more “Bakuna (vaccination) Buses” in support of the government’s vaccination program.

“Vaccination, in the long run, will be our most important strategy to get out of this pandemic that has caused immeasurable impact on the lives and livelihood of many Filipinos,” Gordon said.

Related Tags

Philippine Red Cross covid-19 richard gordon PRC covid-19 vaccination COVID-19 TESTING
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