Who is getting sick?

A total of 22,366. That was the number of recorded positive cases last Monday. This is the highest recorded number of cases since the pandemic started last year. The Philippines is now in the top 20 in the number of cases in the world. We have already surpassed Bangladesh, Iraq, and Malaysia. Data should also be released as to which city has a high number of cases, what age bracket, as well as socioeconomic class. Who are the ones getting sick?

It seems there are still those not following minimum health protocols such as wearing a face mask, face shield, frequent hand sanitizing or washing, and physical distancing. The DOH and LGUs need to determine this to know what areas should be on a strict, granular lockdown. Unlike many Americans who are anti-mask, anti-vaccine for the most absurd reasons, Filipinos generally tend to follow guidelines set by the government. It is not a question of freedom but public safety in a pandemic. Some Americans even believe the pandemic is a hoax. Unbelievable.

As for the vaccination program, 17% of the population or nearly 19 million people have received at least one dose of the vaccine. This number has surely increased by now because the data at ourworldindata.org/covid-vaccinations data is only up to August 15. Vaccination centers in the NCR are already open to non-NCR residents to speed up the program. Vaccinating as many as possible will slow the spread of COVID-19.

But everyone should understand being completely vaccinated does not make one immune to COVID-19. You can still get sick if you are not careful. Part of the reason for the increase in the number of cases may be the belief in being immune, so they let their guard down by going frequently going out, especially among crowds. A vaccine will most likely prevent one from getting seriously ill from COVID. With hospitals reaching full COVID capacity, it is not time to be hospitalized.

On top of all these problems, our medical frontliners are protesting the non-release of their long-promised benefits. They no longer trust the DOH leadership and are calling for the resignation of DOH Sec. Francisco Duque, the velcro secretary. They will have to get in line for that. The threat of mass walkouts and even resignations is something nobody wants. The DOH must act to prevent this from happening. The public is beginning to see the priorities of this administration with the revelation of the overpriced purchase of supplies to fight the pandemic amounting in the billions, with a single supplier enjoying the contract. I'm sure that the supplier has been fully paid. If they can pay the supplier in full, why not the frontliners? The Senate must now prove to Duterte their ongoing investigation into this matter will result in the exposure of how Pharmally Pharmaceuticals bagged the contract including exposing its backers in government. Duterte's recent petty criticism of the senators leading the investigation speaks volumes.