NextGen Day

Despite tests indicating the Omicron version to be a “milder strain” of Covid-19, Malacanang advised the public on Monday not to be complacent because other more dangerous coronavirus strains, such as Delta, still exist.

On Sunday, the Philippines had 4,600 new Covid-19 cases, the largest number in over two months, according to Acting Presidential Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles.

Due to a spike in Covid-19 cases and the detection of 14 local Omicron cases, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) elevated the alert level status in Metro Manila to Alert Level 3 until January 15.

“We’re focused so much on Omicron that we’re forgetting about Delta.” Currently, nagspe-speculate tayo na ‘Omicron na siguro ‘to, ang taas ang bilang’ (we are speculating that ‘This is most likely Omicron because the numbers are so high). We have to remember that Delta is still alive, so don’t say things like, ‘Ah, Omicron okay lang ‘yong kasi Omicron sabi nila is milder (Ah, Omicron okay lang ‘yan kasi Omicron sabi nila is milder),'” he said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel’s Headstart.

He stated Covid-19 cases spiked in mid-December, citing data from the Department of Health (DOH).

“We’re observing that many of the symptoms started around December 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26…

According to the Department of Health, from December 20 onwards, dito na nagkaroon ng pagtaas (this was where we saw an increase). “Exposure should have occurred five to seven days sooner,” he said.

Level 3 protocols must be re-learned.

After being accustomed to the more permissive procedures of Alert Level 2, Nograles advised the public to “relearn” the constraints imposed by Alert Level 3.

He advised the public to begin enforcing limitations within their homes by avoiding access and gatherings of those who do not belong to the same household.

“We have to remember that during the time when we downgraded from Alert Level 4 to 3, sa mga (in) subdivisions, they were strictly enforcing this—na walang papasok sa subdivision na mga bisita (guests are not allowed to enter the subdivision),” he said in an interview on ABS-CBN News Channel’s Headstart.

Subdivisions and barangays (villages) would even designate a pick-up place for riders to drop off their supplies and assign workers to collect them, according to Nograles.

“We went from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 3 and now we have to retrain,” he explained. “Kailangan ibalik natin yung dati na pagdating sa subdivision, mga condo, at maging sa mga barangay, huwag po tayong pumayag na may pumasok sa homes na hindi taga roon (we should

He stated that the general public will be required to adhere to minimum public health standards, particularly because the government will be unable to monitor their compliance due to their right to privacy.

“Hindi kasi, pagdating sa private locations.” At dahil hindi natin ma-enforce ‘yan (We cannot impose protocols in private spaces.) “And because we can’t enforce them,” he added, “the safest approach is to not allow itong (these) meetings in households nga hindi ka nakatira sa bahay ang iyon,” he said.

He also reminded the public that these rules are in place to safeguard their loved ones from contracting Covid-19, particularly senior citizens and anyone with comorbidities.

Collaboration with the government

Meanwhile, Nograles asked restaurants and other businesses with a 30 percent indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and a 50 percent outdoor venue capacity to work with the government to enforce health procedures.

“Restaurants also have this responsibility to secure their personnel and customers,” he said.

He highlighted that the government’s Prevent-Detect-Isolate-Treat-Reintegrate (PDITR) approach must be followed.

“Ang panawagan namin sa lahat (Our appeal to all) is that if you see something is wrong, huwag ka nang lumabas, isolate ka na (don’t leave your houses, isolate), and treat it as if you had Covid…

“Let us make every effort to protect everyone in our homes, communities, and workplaces,” he urged.

He also urged people to get tested for Covid-19 using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as soon as they see symptoms.

Meanwhile, Nograles said the IATF is evaluating whether “adjustments” to the present Alert Level 3 limitations are necessary because of an increase in Covid-19 vaccines.

“May meeting kami ng (We have a meeting with the) IATF tomorrow,” says the narrator. However, today is Day 1 ng (of) Alert Level 3 natin, which is January 3rd. “Let us all take extreme, additional precautions as much as possible,” he remarked.

Intrazonal and interzonal movement will be permitted at Alert Level 3.

Those under the age of 18 and those who pose a health risk will be authorized to leave the house in order to get required products and services, as well as to work in permitted industries.

The Department of Health (DOH) reported 4,600 additional Covid-19 instances on Sunday, bringing the total number of cases to 2,851,931.

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