The Department of Health (DOH) reminded those who recovered from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to stay vigilant and strictly adhere to the health protocols as they can still catch the virus again.

“Kailangan matandaan ng ating mga kababayan, lalong-lalo na yung mga nagkasakit kasi baka akala nila hindi na nila ulit makukuha ang sakit (Our citizens need to remember, especially those who previously got infected because they might think they will never get the disease again),” said DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire during a televised public press briefing on Saturday, Sept. 18.

“Kahit po kayo ay nagkasakit na, maari pa rin po kayong mahawa ulit ng COVID-19. Kaya dapat ipagpapatuloy ang pag-iingat.(Even if you already contracted the disease before, you can still be infected with COVID-19. You should remain cautious),” she added.

Vergeire said it is important to still follow the minimum health protocols to minimize their risk of getting COVID-19.

“Kailangan isusuot pa rin ang mask, face shield, manatili pa rin ang physical distance. Kailangan din maya't-maya namomonitor pa rin natin ang sarili (You still have to wear a mask, face shield, and practice physical distance. We also need to monitor ourselves from time to time),” she said.

The DOH spokesperson also encouraged COVID-19 survivors to get vaccinated.

“Kung hindi pa rin kayo nakakapagpabakuna, magpabakuna na. Dahil (If you are still unvaccinated, get vaccinated now. Because) once you are recovered, you are now eligible to get vaccinated already,” said Vergeire.

As of Sept. 17, the Philippines' tally of confirmed cases stood at 2,324,475, of which, 90.3 percent or 2,100,039 were recoveries. There were 36,328 deaths related to COVID-19, while 188,108 people are still being treated.