Complacency

The highest number of positive COVID-19 cases nationwide since March. A total of 845 cases were recorded last Sunday while 11 succumbed based on DOH data. Even doctors are getting sick since many have resumed face-to-face consultations. According to OCTA Research, the positivity rate in Metro Manila increased from 3.9% to 5.9%. Not only in the NCR is the positivity rate rising but in many parts of the country. The highest was in Rizal Province which rose 11.9% from 6.3%. All this in just one week so authorities warned there may be more cases in the coming months. There is talk of returning NCR to Alert Level 2.

I don’t believe the election held last May 9 is to blame for the uptick in cases as that’s more than a month ago. I do believe the blame lies in complacency. Many are no longer hesitant to enter establishments already filled with people, specifically restaurants where face masks are removed to eat. Then there are those who wrongly wear face masks or do not have one at all. I don’t see the usual number of people sanitizing their hands. I understand people are eager to go out and live normally, but this is the consequence. The coronavirus is not gone.

According to the DOH, there may be more than 4,000 cases in the NCR per day in mid-July due to complacency. This will not be good for all businesses, which are only just beginning to recover after more than two years of restrictions. They said that if authorities raise the alert level they should also consider businesses operating under restrictions. Life is already very difficult because of Vladimir Putin's baseless invasion of Ukraine. The price of gasoline and diesel is staggering. Even the rich are taken aback when they fill their expensive cars with fuel. And there is no indication the war will end soon.

The vicious cycle of strict and relaxed restrictions will not end, not without the cooperative efforts of all. Keep face masks on when in public places. As much as possible, avoid crowded areas or stores because physical distancing cannot be enforced. Places like restaurants, malls, and even large gatherings such as parties or reunions. I know everyone is eager to see their friends and relatives but if cases do continue to rise, that may be put on hold for the moment. Continue frequent sanitizing of your hands. The solution to these issues can only come from us. Sadly, the problems also come from us.