ILOILO City – People appear to be more health-conscious as they celebrate Valentine’s Day at a time when a novel coronavirus is posing serious threat to human health.
The Department of Health (DOH) encourages people to avoid crowded places and events, citing the threat of the COVID-2019, the official World Health Organization name for the virus wreaking havoc in China and infecting people in 25 other countries.
Twenty-one-year-old Joy and boyfriend Greg initially planned out to go out on a concert date today at the Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao district. But they eventually decided to cancel it.
“Ma-mask lang tani kami sa concert pero mas maayo nga safe kami. Sa sunod na lang kami ma-date. Besides, daw na-short man sa budget,” said Joy.
But aside from COVID-2019, Joy also said she and Greg have work today so squeezing a Valentine date into their schedule would be a challenge.
“Anyway, for us everyday is Valentine’s Day. We can go out on a date anytime we want,” she said with a smile.
For married couple Mae and Raul of Jaro district, a simple dinner at home after work would do.
“Luwas nga safe, indi pa magasto,” said Mae.
With eyes twinkling, she added, “Tagaan lang ko sang flowers sang husband ko, okay na ‘ko.”
But it’s not just the COVID-2019 that Ilonggos, single or in a relationship, young or old, should be worried about. Sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancy should be avoided, too, it stressed.
“Practice safe sex. Seek counselling on family planning methods. Dapat bal-an naton ang mga consequences sa paggamit sini,” said Dr. Marlyn Convocar, DOH regional director.
Through its validated regional multi-sectoral partners on family planning, DOH-6 is giving out free condoms.
Sexually transmitted infections can be avoided by practicing the “ABCD” of safe sex, according to Dr. Sophia Pulmones, DOH-6 medical officer.
A stands for abstinence (on sexual relationship); B for be faithful (to your partner); C for correct and consistence use of condoms; and D for don’t take illegal drugs especially if is injected.
As a precautionary measure against COVID-19 while dating in public places, Pulmones reiterated the importance of proper hygiene, especially hand-washing with soap and water or the use alcohol as disinfectant.
Proper respiratory etiquette must also be observed, she said; use tissue paper to cover the mouth when sneezing and/or coughing, and wash hands frequently.
Those who have cough or fever, Pulmones said, should not go out dating in crowded places so as not to infect others.
“If going to crowded places is inevitable, use facemask,” said Pulmones.
The COVID-2019 infection seems to start with a fever, followed by a dry cough and then, after a week, leads to shortness of breath. But in more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
A report on the early stages of the outbreak by the Lancet medical journal said most patients who died from the virus had pre-existing conditions./PN
