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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Go says too early to lift State of Public Health Emergency; here's why

Go says too early to lift State of Public Health Emergency; here's why

Published Jun 4, 2022 09:01 am

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go stressed on Saturday, June 4 the need to continue implementing minimum public health standards amid recent proposals to lift the ‘’State of Public Health Emergency’’ and make the wearing of face masks optional in the country.

“It might be too early to lift the State of Public Health Emergency and the necessary health protocols imposed to contain the pandemic considering the continuing emergence of new variants,” Go, chairman of the Senate Health and Demography committee, said.

“These variants continue to cause an increase in hospitalization rates and we do not want to come again to a point where our healthcare system gets overwhelmed,” he added.

On Friday, June 3, the Department of Health (DOH) announced that the Philippines has detected its first cases of the more infectious Omicron BA.5 subvariant in Central Luzon.

Last month, the DOH confirmed the local transmission of the Omicron BA.2.12.1 subvariant while the province of Negros Oriental has also reported its first case of Omicron subvariant BA.4.

Although the Philippines remains at low-risk classification, 70 percent of areas in the country are showing an increase in Covid-19 cases. Thus, Go reiterated the need for Filipinos to remain disciplined and vigilant.

Go also pointed out that some parts of the country has not yet attained 70 percent vaccination rate so everyone should remain focused on curbing the spread of the virus.

The senator from Davao went on to note that over the past two years, the government and the country’s frontliners have been exerting great efforts to ensure that a whole-of-government and a whole-of-society approach are implemented to effectively overcome the health crisis.

He reiterated the need to further strengthen the country’s healthcare system and ensure that all healthcare workers (HCWs) are well-supported as they are at the forefront of the battle against Covid-19.

Go earlier authored and co-sponsored Republic Act (RA) 11712 which provides for benefits and allowances to public and private HCWs during the state of a public health emergency.

He also supported the passage of Bayanihan 1 and 2 which allowed the government to better address the challenges caused by the pandemic and maximize available resources to aid low-income households and the healthcare sector as well as inject needed support to the economy.

Go appealed to authorities to continue delivering vaccines to more far-flung communities to make certain that more Filipinos are protected from COVID-19. He likewise asked the local officials to strengthen their vaccine efforts in their respective areas to better safeguard their constituents.

“I urge the national and local government units to speed up the vaccination drive, especially the booster shots, as these are necessary in providing ample protection for our people,” he added.

Related Tags

Bong Go 60422 covid-19 Subvariants State of public health emergency
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