As the US is now experiencing a surge of new COVID-19 cases brought about by new strains, particularly the Delta strain, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services has issued its latest guidance on how it handles COVID-19 within its offices, staff and the general public that it serves. Please take note of the following whenever you are inside the USCIS offices or federal buildings.
1.) Wearing of mask is now required of all USCIS staff, contractors, and visitors regardless of their vaccination status or level of COVID-19 transmission in a local area.
2.) CDC guidelines on physical distancing and workplace protection must be followed at all times.
3.) You may not enter a USCIS facility if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with a COVID-19-positive individual in the past 14 days; or has a recent domestic or international travel within the past 10 days unless fully vaccinated; or has been instructed by a doctor or health professional to quarantine or self-quarantine in the past 14 days.
4.) You may not enter a USCIS facility more than 15 minutes before your appointment time.
5.) Barriers, markers, hand sanitizers, health assessment questionnaires are provided at the USCIS facility.
6.) You may call to cancel or reschedule your appointment with USCIS.
7.) Bring your own pens.
All these new instructions are included in your appointment letter with USCIS. Likewise be mindful of any facility closures and reschedules.
This latest USCIS guidance is indeed a fitting and timely response to make sure that everyone understands the need to be serious about the health crisis.
* * *
Speaking of the surge, it’s heartbreaking for me to see that my fellow Cebuanos are suffering from the uptick of new COVID-19 cases. Remember what happened in India. This county was literally on fire as the outbreak of the Delta variant killed thousands of people. It was even reported that there was a shortage of oxygen and people had to drag their tanks around trying to find where to refill them. Right now, the Delta strain is the most dominant cause of new COVID-19 cases all over the world with higher transmissibility and lethality than the original virus.
I urge everyone to get vaccinated to prevent yourself from being infected in the first place. Also, if for some reason you get COVID, you would only have to suffer less symptoms and less hospitalization days. The vaccines are not perfect but it works. This is the only hope we have right now in our fight against this virus.
Likewise, the government must ramp up its efforts to get more people vaccinated. It is its responsibility to quell any misinformation, fears, and doubts about these vaccines. As of now, the Philippines is lagging behind in vaccines administered vis-a-vis the desired number of population to be vaccinated. It must ensure that the vaccine and supplies are available and accessible and that everyone gets their chance. It must incentivize those who are vaccinated and if needed, impose vaccination status as a condition for continued employment, receipt of benefits or entry into restaurants, markets, malls, travel, and businesses.
* * *
It would be a huge travesty on my part if I fail to honor my good friend, Sir Bobit Avila. He introduced me to the leadership of The Freeman and to the late Sir Dodong Gullas, ushering me into this wonderful privilege to be part of this highly-esteemed publication.
A wealthy and prominent man that he was, I have not seen anybody as humble, simple, and God-fearing as Sir Bobit was. He was very generous with his time, presence, and wise counsel as he shared his thoughts about life and honest living. I consider myself very fortunate to have known him even for such a brief time.
Sir Bobit, I am forever grateful for your gift of friendship. May you rest in God’s eternal embrace.