Default Thumbnail

Benguet to continue strict health measures amid Omicron threat

December 4, 2021 People's Tonight 253 views

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The provincial inter-agency task force addressing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) said the strict safety policies imposed to address the virus’ Delta variant remains to guard against the possible entry of the Omicron variant.

“It still stands. We did not revoke it so it is still effective,” Governor Melchor Diclas said in an interview on Friday.

During their meeting on Friday morning, the provincial task force members agreed to pursue the programs adopted in the past that were seen as effective in addressing the surge in COVID-19 cases.

Diclas said the same measures apply, such as the four-day wake for non-COVID-19 deaths, and the presentation of a 72-hour negative swab test result for non-resident travelers who are not vaccinated.

He also noted that the Prevent, Detect, Isolate, Treat, and Reintegrate (PDITR) strategy remains to be an effective measure for managing the pandemic.

A medical surgeon by profession, Diclas also urged residents to get vaccinated as this has been proven to be an effective shield against the severe effects of the virus.

“Especially with the Omicron variant, which is said to be more contagious, let us protect ourselves by getting the vaccine,” he said.

As of December 2, the province has fully vaccinated 135,763 residents while 194,842 have received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine out of the 338,754 eligible residents in 13 municipalities of the province.

With clan reunions and family get-togethers difficult to be prevented, especially during the holiday season, Diclas encouraged the public to be responsible by strictly observing the minimum public health standards.

“Let us protect ourselves, especially with the continuing threat of the virus and the danger posed by the Omicron variant,” he said. Philippine News Agency

AUTHOR PROFILE