Labella urged: Provide Vitamin C, vaccine

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council has requested Mayor Edgardo Labella to integrate into the overall COVID-19 response strategy measures that will help the people boost their immune system to help fight off the virus until a vaccine is already available.

The council likewise requested Labella to study and consider the distribution of healthy and nutritious food items in the food packs distributed by the city as relief assistance and provision of Vitamin C and free flu vaccination, especially to the poor and vulnerable.

The legislative body also asked the mayor to study and consider massive community-based and social media platform education drive on the importance of strictly adhering to minimum health and safety protocols and pursuing a healthy lifestyle to help boost one’s immune system.

Councilor Alvin Dizon sponsored the resolution which was approved en masse during a special session Friday last week.

"Our immune system represents the first line of defense against viral infection and we have to provide the means and educate our constituents, especially the poor and vulnerable, to build up their immune systems to tackle pathogens," said Dizon.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health (DOH) recommended basic protective measures against the virus such as frequent handwashing with soap and water or cleaning hands with an alcohol-based rub; maintaining physical distancing; wearing of masks; avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth; cough or sneeze etiquette; frequent disinfection of common-touched surfaces; among others.

Dizon said these measures are vital to slowing the spread of the new coronavirus to which everyone is susceptible particularly older people and those with underlying health conditions.

"While strict adherence to hygiene rules is key to protection against COVID-19, it is equally important to integrate into the overall response strategy such measures that will help the people boost their immune system to help fight off the virus until a vaccine will already be available," said Dizon.  FPL (FREEMAN)