ALARMED by the resurgence of Covid-19 cases in most parts of the country, presidential aspirant Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. and his running mate Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte urged local officials in areas devastated by Typhoon Odette to ensure that health protocols are strictly observed in evacuation centers housing thousands of victims.
The call was made after the Health department reported a record number of new cases in the past days with the more transmissible Omicron variant now considered the dominant strain.
“Let’s not add to their misery. Let’s make sure Covid won’t penetrate evacuation centers. This will mean a bigger problem,” said the BBM-Sara UniTeam, speaking mostly in Filipino.
The BBM-Sara UniTeam also called on local government units to regularly disinfect temporary shelters and provide necessary health and hygiene kits, hand wash soaps, alcohols and face masks.
“Besides enduring their conditions are alright, it’s important to ensure they’re safe from Covid19. All health protocols imposed by the government must be heeded especially given the current steady rise in the numbers of those infected by the virus,” said the BBM-Sara UniTeam.
The Philippines on Monday posted an all-time high of new infections with 33,169, raising the Philippines’ total caseload to 2,998,530.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the Philippines has already been classified as critical risk for Covid-19, noting that Omicron has finally surpassed Delta as the dominant variant in the country based on the latest whole genome sequencing.
Relief work continues
The BBM-Sara Uniteam also vowed to continue the distribution of aid and relief goods to typhoon victims despite the threat of Covid-19.
Apart from cash and relief goods, BBM-Sara UniTeam also distributed thousands of gallons of water and water filtration kits. They also donated construction materials to rebuild the houses destroyed by the typhoon.
The BBM-Sara tandem also recently distributed generator sets and satellite dishes that helped restore electricity and communications signals in areas hit hard by the storm.
Aside from providing food, potable water, and helping restore power and rebuilding of shelters, the pair is also working to provide much-needed medicines and vitamins for children, the sick and senior citizens taking maintenance medications.
Bongbong and Sara promised to immediately look for donors who can provide medicines for the victims.