The Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) Negros Occidental chapter president on Tuesday, December 28, warned against another COVID-19 surge amid the unabated violations of health protocols during the holidays.
PCP-Negros Occidental president Dr. Ronel Sario cited the huge crowds seen at malls, in front of the Bacolod City Government Center and in other public places no longer observing physical distancing and other health protocols.
He also said parents have been seen bringing their minor children to malls without masks.
Sario stressed the need for people to limit their celebrations to those within their immediate bubble, especially on New Year’s Eve, to observe health protocols and get vaccinated against COVID-19.
People are acting as if COVID-19 no longer exists but the danger still looms, especially with the threat of the Omicron variant, he said.
The daily new COVID-19 cases in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City have been down to single digits so it would be a shame if another surge occurs, he said.
Sario noted that the COVID-19 cases have already been reported to be slowly rising in Metro Manila.
He also stressed the need for the provincial government to step up its COVID-19 vaccination drive.
Negros Occidental has vaccinated 1,077,505 residents with one dose or 59.03 percent of its target population, and has fully vaccinated 672,774 or 36.86 percent, the Department of Health (DOH) reported Monday.
Bacolod City has fully vaccinated 383,322 residents or 93.33 percent of its target population, and 427,320 with their first dose or 104.05 percent, the DOH added.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said the provincial government’s vaccination drive in the 4th, 5th and 6th districts has been slowed down by Typhoon Odette.
Focus has been on typhoon relief operations but the vaccination drive will return to full speed as soon as power is restored in the south, he said.
Freezers needed to store the vaccines to prevent them from spoiling need electricity, he said.
The provincial government is still aiming to vaccinate 70 percent of its population on or before February to hit herd immunity, Diaz added.*