ILOILO City – As the cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in this southern city gradually increase, the city government through the Iloilo City Health Board resolved to return the mandatory wearing of facemask in closed and crowded areas.
The city’s Health Board, chaired by Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, issued Advisory No.1-2023, advising the public to follow protocol on wearing facemask pursuant to Department of Health (DOH) Department Memorandum No. 2022-0433 and Office of the President Executive Order No. 03-2022.
“Ang aton balik lang kita anay sa iya sang DOH nga protocol nga in closed places and in public transportation, mausar lang anay sang mask. Sundon ta lang na anay,” said Treñas.
Under the said protocols, mandatory wearing of facemask will continue for indoor private and public establishments, including in public transportation by land, air or sea, and in outdoor settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Meanwhile, wearing of well-fitted facemasks shall be voluntary in open spaces and non-crowded areas with good ventilation.
Partially and unvaccinated and high-risk individuals are also strongly encouraged to wear their masks and continue to observe three-meter physical distancing at all times.
While it has been observed that the COVID cases in the city are rising, Treñas noted the health care utilization rate (HCUR) remains low.
From Jan. 1 to April 18, Iloilo City recorded 167 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 130 of which have already recovered while two expired. Active cases stand at 35.
Treñas said the city government will deploy personnel to strictly monitor the compliance of the establishments and offices as well as of the public.
As of now, he said the city has procured anti-COVID drug like Remdesivir so it can be given to those who will need it.
“We were also told by DOH that pretty soon we might be able to get bivalent vaccine,” he added.
Earlier, Treñas ordered to implement “no face mask no entry” for those who are transacting at the city hall.
He added the Office of the Building Administrator will also limit the number of individuals catered by the elevator one at a time.
The DOH regional office underscored the need to sustain the preventive and control measures against COVID-19.
DOH-6 regional director, Dr. Adriano Suba-an, specially encourages anew all eligible individuals who have yet to avail themselves of COVID-19 booster doses to do so in their local health units.
DOH Region 6’s reiteration of the importance and the need for COVID-19 vaccination was reemphasized as other areas in the country noted an increase in cases especially among the unvaccinated.
“COVID-19 vaccination and booster doses continue to be safe and effective against the COVID-19. It provides the best long-term protection against the virus and its complications especially among senior citizens and immunocompromised individuals,” Suba-an noted.
In Western Visayas, more than 5.3 million out of the 5.6 million target, or 94 percent of the total population, have been fully vaccinated, data from the DOH-6 Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) showed.
Data also showed that COVID booster coverage remains low at 17.53 percent for first booster and 1.92 percent for second booster.
Second booster doses are given to health care workers, senior citizens, individuals with co-morbidities, and other vulnerable groups.
Aside from vaccination, the regional director still encouraged the wearing of facemasks when in crowded and closed spaces or gatherings to mitigate transmission not only of COVID-19 but also of other respiratory diseases.
Those who are manifesting symptoms, they are advised to isolate and refrain from interacting with others and to seek consult to the nearest health facility for proper medical attention.
It is also best to remind others to keep rooms well ventilated, avoid crowded areas, frequently wash or sanitize hands, and protect oneself by getting vaccinated./PN
