Palace reminds public anew to heed protocols vs. Covid-19

FILE: Customers dine at the food court of a mall in Cubao, Quezon City on Monday (June 22, 2020). (PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler)

MANILA – Malacañang on Friday renewed its call on the public to continue heeding the government’s health and quarantine protocols against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque reiterated his appeal to all Filipinos after the World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged that Covid-19 may linger in crowded indoor spaces.

“The acknowledgment of the World Health Organization that Covid-19 may be passed through air is something we leave to the health experts.

We will be fully supportive of ideas based on science and hard data,” Roque said in a press statement.

The WHO on Thursday acknowledged the possible airborne transmission of Covid-19 in indoor locations like “crowded and inadequately ventilated spaces”.

“Short-range aerosol transmission, particularly in specific indoor locations, such as crowded and inadequately ventilated spaces, over a prolonged period of time with infected persons cannot be ruled out,” it said.

The statement was issued after over 200 scientists urged WHO to revisit the research about the likelihood that people can catch the coronavirus from droplets floating in the air.

Roque maintained that the only way to fight Covid-19 is to wear face masks, wash hands regularly, and observe strict physical distancing.

“While the scientific community is discussing the mode of transmission of Covid-19, we call on our citizens to continue observing minimum public health standards, such as wearing of masks, washing of hands, and practicing social distancing,” he said.

As of Thursday, the Philippines has reported 51,754 confirmed Covid-19 cases, with 12,813 recoveries and 1,314 fatalities.

Roque told the public that it is worth staying at home amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Let us continue to protect people who are considered vulnerable, which include but not limited to our senior citizens, those with co-morbidities, pregnant women by staying at home to save lives,” he said.

Roque said the “stay-at-home” policy would help protect the people and limit the spread of the coronavirus.

“We can do it again so together we can heal and recover as one,” he said.