ILOILO – Airborne or not, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be combatted only through the strict observance of the minimum health protocols, according to Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently updated its pandemic advisory but didn’t get a lot of attention. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is airborne.
“Ang tanan nga pang-andam naplastar na naton. Sundon lang naton ini ang tanan,” Defensor told Panay News.
According to WHO, airborne transmission is the spread of an infectious agent caused by the dissemination of droplet nuclei (aerosols) that remain infectious when suspended in air over long distances and time.
Should there be adjustments to health protocols?
“We need none… dugay ta na ina (COVID-19 being airborne) nga gina-assume,” said Defensor.
The governor said the public shouldn’t be remiss of the minimum health protocols being imposed by the provincial government such as the wearing of facemasks and face shields, social distancing and proper hand sanitation, especially in outdoor settings.
Defensor also reiterated the ban on mass gatherings like fiestas, birthdays, baptisms and weddings, among others, that could become coronavirus “super spreaders”.
Non-essential activities are also discouraged.
Defensor is appealing to all Ilonggos to cooperate with their respective local governments.
The Provincial Health Office (PHO) backed Defensor’s call for strict compliance with health protocols.
“The cases are increasing and more of these are symptomatic. I am asking for the cooperation of everyone. Please be responsible citizens and practice 3Ms (magmaskara, magdistansya, manghinaw) and have yourselves vaccinated,” Quiñon stressed.
39 DAILY CASES ON AVERAGE
From May 1 to May 24 this year, Iloilo province recorded the highest COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic – 936.
It has surpassed the March 2021 record of 926.
The province also logged its highest daily average cases at 39, higher than the 30 cases recorded in March this year.
As of May 24, Iloilo had 7,052 total confirmed COVID-19 cases – 848 active, 6,017 recovered and 187 dead.
The towns with the highest active cases were Oton (70), Pavia (69), Maasin (64), Concepcion (50), and Santa Barbara (46).
Meanwhile, the Anilao and Bingawan towns recorded no active coronavirus cases./PN
