Despite the decreasing number of Covid-19 infections in the country, an OCTA Research fellow on Sunday, March 6, urged the public to continue adhering to the minimum public health standards, reiterating that the threat of the virus remains.
“Nandiyan pa ‘yung threat. Mataas pa ‘yung number of cases sa ibang countries and it just happened na naunang pumasok ‘yung Omicron sa Philippines and later pumasok sa kanila. Nagluluwag tayo to help the economy kasi ito ay bugbog na, pero hindi naman ibig sabihin na huwag na tayong mag-ingat (The threat remains. The number of cases in other countries is still high and it just happened that Omicron first entered the Philippines and later entered them. We are easing the restrictions to help our economy because it is already battered, but that does not mean we shouldn’t be careful),” said OCTA fellow Dr. Guido David in an interview over DZMM.
David likewise warned of the “possible” resurgence of Omicron-driven infections in the country if the public neglects the health protocols such as the proper wearing of mask.
“We’re hoping na tuluy-tuloy na , but based on patterns sa other countries, maaaring bumalik ang surge – even ‘yung Omicron. Kahit may immunity na tayo against Omicron, or we think may population protection na tayo against Omicron, this can still wane kung wala tayong boosters at kung hindi na tayo sumusunod sa minimum public health standards (We’re hoping that the decrease in cases will continue, but based on patterns in other countries, the surge may return – even Omicron. Even if we have immunity against Omicron, or we think we have population protection against Omicron, this can still wane if we don’t get boosted and if we don’t follow the minimum public health standards),” he added.
According to David, various factors could “trigger” the resurgence of infections. Among these factors were the waning immunity against the virus, reemergence of Covid-19 variants, and the failure to properly observe the health protocols.
“All these factors could cause a resurgence of infections. Maybe not as big, but it could be a significant resurgence if we are not careful,” he reiterated.