BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – An aggressive new strain of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reinforces the need for Negrenses to be extra vigilant, according to the Provincial Health Office (PHO).
Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, PHO head, underscored the importance of strengthening health protocol measures especially in public places.
On Wednesday, the Department of Health, together with the Philippine Genome Center, confirmed that the B117 SARS-CoV-2 variant, which was first reported in the United Kingdom, was detected in samples from a Filipino who returned home from the United Arab Emirates on Jan. 7.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson reminded the public anew to follow safety health protocols such as social distancing, wearing of facemask and face shield and frequent hand washing.
“Remember, these remain to be our most effective tools against the transmission of the virus,” Lacson said.
After being in a pandemic for several months, Lacson said, Negrenses must be more vigilant than ever.
“Protecting ourselves is protecting our families and everyone around us. Time did not change the nature of the virus and the mode of its transmission. We are all part of the solution to this pandemic, hence, we must act accordingly,” he said.
As of Jan. 13, Negros Occidental had 117 active COVID-19 cases, a report of the Provincial Incident Management Team showed.
Earlier this week, Lacson sealed a deal with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Philippines, Inc. for the purchase of 100,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines intended for 50,000 persons, particularly medical frontliners.
He signed a multilateral agreement between and among AstraZeneca, the national government, the Department of Health, and the provincial government of Negros Occidental. (With PNA/PN)
