While they are desperately trying their best to treat Covid-19 patients, the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) called on the public to do their part and practice minimum health standards for fear that healthcare workers will soon get exhausted as some hospitals have already declared full capacity and cases continue to soar.
This, as the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Tuesday that the total number of Covid-19 cases at 57,545.
According to Dr. Encarnita Limpin, PCP Vice President, said that the people will stop contracting the virus if they protect themselves by wearing masks, practice social distancing and wash hands frequently.
By doing this, they are also helping the medical professionals, she said.
During the Healthcare Professionals Call for Solidarity Virtual Press Conference, Dr. Limpin expressed fear on the possibility of medical professionals to get exhausted if the hospitals continue to get overwhelmed.
“Napapagod na po kami,” Dr, Limpin lamented as she encouraged the individuals- the first line of defense, to help the healthcare workers- the last line of defense against Covid-19.
Based on her experience, the hospital that she is working with already expanded their bed capacity for Covid-19 patients.
She reiterated that if health professionals will get exhausted, and worse, get sick, the healthcare system will break down.
“Huwag nyo pong antayin na bumagsak na po kami talaga dahil dito sa Covid na ito. Pag kami bumagsak na…na mga doctor, nawala na yung last line of defense,” Dr. Limpin warned.
Covid cases
As of 4 p.m. of July 14, a total of 634 positive cases were reported based on the total tests done by 65 out of 82 current operational labs.
The DOH likewise recorded 88 recoveries. This brings the total number of recoveries to 20,459.
Six persons succumbed to the disease. The death toll stood at 1,603.
Of the 6 deaths, 4 (67 percent) in July and 2 (33 percent) in June.
Three deaths were reported from National Capital Region (50 percent), Region 7 (2 or 33 percent) and Region 5 (1 or 17 percent).
Ninety-five duplicates were removed from total case count, of these, two duplicates previously reported as a death have been removed from the case count after final verification.
The total cases reported may be subject to change as these numbers undergo constant cleaning and validation.
“BIDA Solusyon” campaign
The DOH urged Filipinos to be part of the solution by participating in their BIDA Solusyon campaign as the government needs to balance the reopening of economy and containing the spread of the virus.
BIDA Solusyon , government’s social and behavioral change campaign, is part of the nation’s larger strategy to prevent, trace, test, and treat. It aims to encourage Filipinos to practice the four key preventive behaviors that will help keep themselves and their families safe against the pandemic.
Each letter in BIDA represents one of these behaviors: Bawal walang mask, I-sanitize ang kamay at Iwas-hawak sa mga bagay, Dumistansya ng isang metro, at Alamin ang totoong impormasyon.
The campaign is a partnership between government, private, and development partners, with the USAID providing financial and technical assistance for the first phase of its rollout. Various national government agencies have also committed their resources to promote the campaign, and more partners will be onboard over the coming weeks.
“We welcome and greatly appreciate the support of organizations and individuals to help us raise awareness and educate people on the preventive behaviors that will help us win this fight against Covid-19,” Vergeire said.
In a virtual media forum last July 10, , Vergeire and the Department of Finance’s (DOF) Assistant Secretary Tony Lambino discussed these methods on achieving the right economic and health balance as the country moves forward.
“Staying safe against Covid-19 isn’t just about doing what’s needed when it’s easy or convenient, it’s about always making a conscious effort to protect your friends and loved ones,” Vergeire said.
She stressed that the people’s everyday actions have a potential impact on the spread of the virus, “and we have to remember that our responsible decisions, no matter how small, can save lives”.
When asked about whether the economy or the health response is a higher priority for the government, Lambino said, “It has become very clear that it’s not a binary choice, kailangan po natin gawin pareho, kailangan po natin tulungan ang ating mga kababayan na makabalik sa kanilang trabaho at paghahanapbuhay, to restart their lives while protecting the lives of others at the same time.”
Meanwhile, Vergeire noted that with 67 percent of the Philippines’ economic activity concentrated in the National Capital Region and CALABARZON, areas that have a large portion of the country’s Covid-19 cases, it is critical for the public to reinforce the personal protective measures espoused by the BIDA campaign.
“In the end, when we get to the grassroots, or if you get to where the rubber hits the road, nasa interaction ng mga tao, sa mga tindahan, sa mga restaurants, at kung saan pa…Kaya po, itong BIDA ay napaka-importante, it’s a foundation of the economic recovery,” Lambino added.
“For the economy to perform well and for us to regain our growth trajectory ay napakahalagang masunod ang BIDA campaign,” Lambino concluded.
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