JORDAN, Guimaras – Citing the new, more transmissible variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Vice Gov. John Edward Gando said it would be safer for youngsters 10 to 14 years old to stay at home.
Gando welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to reverse an order of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases allowing young people (10 to 14 years old) in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) to get out of their houses beginning next month.
Guimaras is under MGCQ.
“Daw wala man ako nakita nga necessity at this point of time for them to go out,” said Gando.
In times of emergencies or when seeking medical attention, however, youngsters may be allowed to leave their houses, he added.
Under MGCQ protocols, said Gando, people 15 to 65 year old are allowed to get out of their houses but they must observe health protocols like wearing facemasks and face shield and practice physical distancing.
“Amon ya, as much as possible stay at home lang gid kon wala man sang importante nga kadtoan,” saidGando.
As of Jan. 25, Guimaras recorded 262 confirmed cases of COVID-19 (249 already recovered; four died; and nine still active).
The active cases were in the towns of Buenavista (five), Jordan (two), Nueva Valencia (one), and Sibunag (one).
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough.
Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell.
Most people (about 80 percent) recover from the disease without needing special treatment, according to the World Health Organization.
Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness./PN
