EDITORIAL - Community vigilance

Nobody likes busybodies, and it’s unfortunate that the call of the government for community vigilance in COVID transmission has been likened to “chismosos and chismosas” snooping on their neighbors.

With the numerous reports about the cavalier disregard for public health protocols to contain coronavirus transmission, it would in fact be useful for people to be on alert for indications of coronavirus disease 2019 infection going unreported or not being properly monitored in their neighborhoods or workplaces.

Those infected could be inadvertently overlooking the symptoms, but there have been documented reports of others who deliberately conceal their affliction because they don’t want to miss a day’s work. Certain offices have been shut down by local government units due to high cases of infection. There are also COVID patients who have escaped from quarantine and freely mingled with the community, in reckless disregard of other people’s safety.

The ideal situation, of course, is for people to voluntarily isolate themselves in the proper facilities when they suspect that they might be infected. There is sufficient information circulating in traditional and social media about COVID symptoms, from mild to serious. Recognizing the possible symptoms and heeding the health protocols could spare from infection the relatives and friends of a COVID case.

One problem in community vigilance is the anonymity of COVID cases, which is meant to protect the patients and members of their household from possible discrimination and even harassment. The Department of Health can coordinate with local government units and barangays to deal with this problem, guarding the privacy of patients while at the same time protecting the health of the community. The task is undoubtedly complicated but not impossible to carry out.