The biggest challenge that the incoming administration is yet to face when it comes to the pandemic response is maintaining the current “good” pandemic state of the country.
“We are in a good stage right now na as much as possible we want to maintain it and then at some point 'pag mukhang safe na talaga pwede natin pagisipan na tanggalin na yung remaining restriction (We are in a good place right now that as much as possible we want to maintain it and then at some point when it is already safe, we can decide on removing the remaining restrictions),” said infectious disease specialist Dr. Edsel Salvana at the Laging Handa briefing on Monday, May 22.
Meanwhile, Salvana added that keeping the basic public health safety protocols such as wearing masks, practicing social distancing, vaccination, and getting booster shots, should be “strictly followed” to prevent a sudden surge of Covid-19 cases.
He also encouraged the next administration to focus on the continuity of current health standards as it will save us from deadlier and "vaccine-proof" Covid variants that might emerge in the future.
Salvana explained that efforts to relieve the pandemic should not stop until the country is comfortable enough to decrease the restrictions or until the World Health Organization (WHO) advises. (Luisa Cabato)