Irresponsible travelers

There is absolutely no doubt that the highly contagious Omicron is now raging quickly all over the world, with countries in Europe as well as the United States and Australia reporting record-high cases of infection this week. To manage and control the transmission of this virus to the extent possible, strict health protocols need to be implemented. Clearly, the number one health protocol is to quarantine travelers from abroad.

In the United States, a staggering 580,000 cases were reported last Thursday, and experts have already warned of an “Omicron blizzard” as cases of infection continue to rise dramatically, averaging 290,000 daily during the week.

One good news is that recent studies on laboratory animals and human tissues indicate that compared to earlier variants, Omicron causes milder illness because it largely attacks the upper respiratory tract – the nostrils, throat and larynx – and causes less severe damage to the lungs, most especially for those triple vaccinated. However, the speed at which it spreads still makes it dangerous in overwhelming hospitals and may cause deaths, especially to unvaccinated individuals.

A study conducted in South Africa, specifically on the city of Tshwane which was described by researchers as the “global epicenter” of the Omicron surge, showed that the peak has passed roughly one month after a surge in cases, with milder illness and no corresponding jump in hospitalizations and deaths. But this is likely due to high levels of prior infection and vaccination coverage, since about two thirds of the people in Tshwane already had some form of immunity from COVID-19 either through vaccination or prior infection.

Yet there is still so much that we don’t know about Omicron so we have to be cautious. Even if studies indicate that it is milder, particularly for those who received mRNA vaccines, it is still the responsibility of every single person – especially those who remain unvaccinated – to take precautions because they could actually be the carrier of a lethal weapon.

Ultimately, no one will argue that it is our responsibility to make sure we do not contribute to the spread of COVID-19, even if in places like the US, freedom and choice are pre-eminent. Some countries are imposing masking and vaccination mandates, limiting the choices of people: either you get vaccinated or risk isolation because you could potentially kill another person if you pass on the virus. Aside from the elderly and people with co-morbidities, younger individuals have also become susceptible, with reports confirming that younger people are getting hospitalized due to Omicron.

In the Philippines, the Omicron variant is already spreading with new cases spiking to 2,961 last Friday – the highest in almost two months, with the positivity rate recorded at 10.3 percent which is way above the five percent standard set by the WHO. Local cases of Omicron infection have also been confirmed in Metro Manila, which will be placed under the stricter Alert Level 3 starting tomorrow.

The report about this particular individual who flouted mandatory hotel quarantine protocols and even went partying despite knowing she may be carrying the virus is really the height of irresponsibility. This person arrived from the United States and after checking in at a quarantine hotel on Dec. 22, had dinner with some friends the next day and even went partying at a bar in Makati later that night. On the fifth day since her arrival, she tested positive for COVID-19.

After an initial denial, the woman admitted that she violated quarantine protocols, said Tourism Secretary Berna Puyat, who also disclosed that the hotel is now under investigation and was issued a show cause order to explain why the person was able to leave the hotel when she was supposed to be in isolation. Reports say at least 15 people who came into close contact with the violator have tested positive for COVID-19.

The bar where the individual went partying also expressed its dismay and disappointment at the turn of events, with the health and safety of the guests and staff already compromised because many have been infected.

“For the past two years under this pandemic, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that our venue is a safe place for our customers to have a good time without fear of contracting the virus,” the bar said in a statement.

The establishment had no idea that the woman came from abroad as she was with a group that had prior reservation. She showed proof of vaccination, had her temperature taken and even filled a health declaration form. As a consequence, the bar decided to close for the meantime, with the rest of the staff undergoing testing and strict isolation for the next few weeks.

Aside from potentially passing on the virus which could prove fatal to high-risk individuals, this irresponsible behavior of one individual could also kill businesses that are crucial to the country’s economic recovery.

People should not forget that more than ever this pandemic continues to be lethal. More than five million people all over the world have died, with over 286 million infected and counting – which means their families have also suffered and may be continuing to suffer through this pandemic. Add to that the trillions of dollars in terms of global economic losses.

All of us may have different political beliefs or “colors” but at the end of the day, we all live on the same planet and only have one country. As true Filipinos, we should think of doing good to our fellow citizens and act responsibly. I pray the New Year will bring a renewed spirit of hope in our country.

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