MANILA – Filipinos should adapt to the new normal by observing health protocols until the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is over.
National Policy Against COVID-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said it is not yet time for Filipinos to be complacent since the danger of the virus persists.
“In order for us to survive and move forward, we had to undergo the process of adaptation. We had to let go of our old habits and adopt new systems, approaches, and a new way of doing things until the pandemic is over,” Galvez said.
Galvez cited the Filipinos’ patience, determination and strong character in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic last year.
“The year 2020 was truly a very challenging one for the Filipino people. We were waging battles on multiple fronts: the health, economic and peace fronts,” Galvez said.
“The health crisis altered practically all aspects of our way of life – the way we work, the manner we interact with people and the methods we use in doing business, among others,” he added.
Galvez also noted that the national government, alongside local government units and the private sector, was able to scale up the country’s capacities on testing, contact tracing and isolation.
“We believe that this is what happens when we come together and use the power of unity, complementation and cooperation to protect the health, security and welfare of our countrymen,” Galvez said./PN
