A critical milestone

ALL medical protocols on the loathed COVID-19 in the Philippines have been lifted after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. terminated the public health emergency declaration.

“Consequently, the requirement for wearing masks in public transportation and other settings as specified in Executive Order 7 is now considered rescinded from a technical standpoint,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said in a statement.

The coronavirus disease, which swept the country in March 2020 from Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the global health emergency, has killed 6.9 million worldwide (66,510 in the Philippines) and infected 692.1 million in 229 countries and territories (4,169,947 in the Philippines) as of July 25.

We have seen in the Philippines the lowering through time of infections and hospitalizations, although it thrashed the domestic economy and plunged the country into its worst post World War II recession.

It also slammed shut the door on 2.3 million Filipinos who lost their gainful jobs in 2020, the first of the three-year pandemic, with the average unemployment rate rising to over 10 percent that same year, the highest in 15 years. For infectious diseases expert Dr. Rontgene Solante, the lifting of the health protocols meant it was time for the country to “move on [from] this pandemic.”

Solante said this leaves private companies to decide whether they would still require employees to wear face masks or not, depending on the arrangements and situation in their workplaces. But even with the lifting of the protocols, Solante urged those who show symptoms of COVID-19 and those who live in high-risk areas to continue protecting themselves. We rally behind Herbosa’s red flag that the public, with the lifting of health protocols, should remain vigilant and continuously safeguard their health.

He said: “It is crucial to recognize that while the state of public health emergency is lifted, we must remain vigilant and proactive in our approach to health and safety.

“It is a positive step forward and that the conditions no longer necessitate the continuation of the public health emergency status.

“Continued awareness and adherence to recommended health protocols are paramount to safeguarding ourselves and our communities from any potential health risks.”

We agree with the DOH chief that we must remember “our collective strength lies in unity. We stand as one, united in our commitment to combat any future pandemic that may come our way. Together, we can overcome any adversity and build a healthier and safer nation for all.”

We heard Herbosa say we should embrace this new development “with gratitude and determination,” aware that by working together the Filipinos will prevail against any health challenges.

The DOH said the Inter Agency Task Force on COVID-19 will convene for a final meeting to reassess the situation and issue a comprehensive final report to the public.

“This report will encapsulate the tireless efforts and dedication of the IATF, the medical frontliners and the entire government in combating the challenges posed by the pandemic,” Herbosa said.

We, like others in the metropolis and the countryside, hold our breath.