"It is imperative to practice personal preventive measures to minimize the risk of contracting COVID-19."
"It is imperative to practice personal preventive measures to minimize the risk of contracting COVID-19."
Like I’ve said all along, we could not afford to be complacent these days. At the same time, we should not panic. In either instance, the lack of understanding about the coronavirus does not help at all.
In the face of increasing cases of confirmed COVID-19 infection, we must get our act together and do everything to prevent a local epidemic. I personally believe that we can contain the spread of coronavirus if we pull ourselves together and heed medical experts’ advice.
It’s important to note that despite the global pandemic threat of the highest level, World Health Organization experts and prominent doctors assured us that those afflicted with coronavirus have had 98-percent chance of recovery. Doctors said that those who have died of the disease had suffered with some other serious illnesses that weakened their autoimmune condition. Still, more people suffer and die from other diseases.
And just as the lack of knowledge about the nature of the illness, entertaining fake news and fake information may pose more danger than the virus does and aggravate the situation in the community.
There is no lockdown in Metro Manila as of the time I submitted this column, contrary to the rumor being spread in the social media in the past couple of days. It remains a consensus among the national and local government officials that the current situation does not merit a metro-wide lockdown.
It is just unfortunate that some unscrupulous individuals get the kick out of peddling fake news or hoaxes. It cannot be discounted that saboteurs might be behind them to spur destabilization.
We, Filipinos, must make a decision as one people to take things in stride and to act as one in the spirit of bayanihan to curb the possibility of this conflagration worsening as to disrupt our normal activities of daily living altogether.
Yes, we can all step up and overcome this global health crisis into an opportunity for renewal, to revitalize our healthy lifestyle and, more importantly, to strengthen our faith in God.
It is imperative to practice personal preventive measures to minimize the risk of contracting COVID-19. Take the following steps to protect yourself:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60-percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Also, take steps to protect others. Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash.
If you are sick: You should wear a face mask when you are around other people, especially when sharing a room or vehicle. If you are not able to wear a face mask, then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a face mask if they enter your room.
If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a face mask unless you are caring for someone who is sick. Face masks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
We cannot overemphasize the importance of taking vitamins, particularly Vitamin C, unless one has a medical condition that needs doctor’s advice.
Last but not least, I’m one of those who believe in the power of prayer. Perhaps, we could join in prayer this eight-year old girl, Dastine Danielle, who begs God for Divine Intervention in helping us find cure to coronavirus and vaccine to stop its further spread. Check this out: https://youtu.be/VvVrYEf_Hw0
