The interagency task force has now included Cebu Province under Alert Level 3. This is the new system the government has implemented to warn us of the threat that COVID-19 poses to us. Of course, we could have done this at the start but then again they chose to confuse us with quarantine terms that left us dumbfounded whenever an announcement is made. Yet, here we are again.
I'm starting to believe that 2022 is really “2020 too”. It seems we are back at square one for the third time because of the rise in cases. Those who conspire against the vaccination program want to prove their point, that vaccination does more harm than good. They argue based on the fact that even if you are inoculated, you can still get COVID-19. Yet, little do they know that despite the negative positivity it is better than having no jab at all. The health department released data that almost all in critical care today because of infection are unvaccinated.
I believe the Omicron surge is the battle of the unvaccinated. Today it's double the arms race to get the numbers up for those who have not received their shots. Booster shots are even made available so one's immunity may be strengthened. The alert level is telling us we should be cautious and careful because of the rise in the number of cases. However, I don't interpret that as an excuse to put another point in this year on hold.
The national guidelines said that travel and events will be allowed but up to a certain capacity. It also requires attendees to be fully vaccinated. Recently, the Department of Transportation ordered a "no vax, no ride" policy which limits the movements of those who haven’t been protected. By the situation on the ground, a lot of us would disagree on being placed on Alert Level 3. However, the numbers say otherwise, and this must be taken as a stern warning. It’s not just to ramp up vaccinations but to also prepare hospitals and health workers for whatever could happen next.
We are approaching a new set of guidelines still in the aftermath that the typhoon left. Cebuanos are not individuals who wallow in pity because of the adversaries. This is a time for us to shine and stand up because, honestly, we have been here before. Remember, it's like 2020 too. This isn't a cause for alarm either as no lockdowns will be imposed, instead we are reminded of our responsibility to adhere to the basic health protocols in order for us to survive this pandemic. As to how long, the answer is unclear. We can make projects and fail them, or just live by what science tells us to do.