Gordon: Keep guard up vs Covid-19
DESPITE the OCTA Research group’s report that the new COVID-19 cases in the National Capital Region is two percent lower than last week, Senator Richard J. Gordon, chairman and CEO of the Philippine Red Cross, called on the public to keep guarding against the disease.
Gordon issued the reminder after the World Health Organization reported a global surge in COVID cases.
“Given the prevalence of the variants, upward trending of infection, and the dire lack of vaccines, we should practice increased vigilance, continuous adherence to health protocols, less socializing, and more ventilation. We have the power to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and the whole community at large. Let’s be responsible. I know how badly we want to get back to normal, but it’s only going to take us longer to get there if we pay no mind to our actions – wear your mask, avoid crowded places, and observe health protocols,” he said.
The OCTA Research group on Tuesday reported that the average number of new COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila was down by 2% from last week. In its latest report, OCTA said the NCR had an average of 634 new cases this week, lower than the average of 646 cases recorded last week.
Last week, however, Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, an infectious disease epidemiologist and the COVID-19 Technical Lead for WHO, reported that data gathered in the last seven days depicted increased cases in almost all regions globally, including South East Asia with an 8.6% swell in cases. She further noted that there are more than two dozen countries with epidemic curves that are almost vertical during the time of reporting.
Meanwhile, the Bahrain civil aviation affairs also said on Tuesday that entry will be banned from 16 new countries including the Philippines, Tunisia, Iran, Iraq, Mexico, south Africa and Indonesia over coronavirus concerns,
Bahrain had suspended entry of travelers from countries on its “Red List” in May, a list that included India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Bahrain has excluded citizens and residents with valid residency visas from the ban.
