Better safe than sorry: Following health protocols is the key

FILE: A large billboard shows a health reminder to motorists driving along Edsa in Cubao, Quezon City on Thursday (August 13, 2020). (PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler)

MANILA – Aside from taking a toll on the public’s health and the economy, the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has greatly changed everybody’s way of life. As movement is restricted to contain the disease, people are forced to stay indoors for months as there is still no cure or vaccine against the disease.

However, many still defy quarantine protocols for various reasons.

As of August 24, quarantine violators in the country have reached over 338,000. This prompted the government to ask local government units (LGUs), particularly barangays, to intensify the implementation of restrictions especially in the movement of people and repeatedly sought their cooperation to minimize, if not totally wipe out the number of infections.

While some challenge these rules, some choose to comply and cope with the ‘stay at home’ sickness rather than get out and be infected with a much deadlier disease.

This was reflected in a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released in July showing 76 percent of Filipinos always wear face masks, 65 percent always wash their hands, and 59 percent practice social distancing.

Keeping this in mind, many Filipinos still think compliance with quarantine rules is the best thing they can contribute to efforts in containing the pandemic.

This is the view shared by 26-year-old architect, Angel Tiolengco, a resident from Caloocan City, who said complying with quarantine protocols is the best way to avoid being infected with Covid-19.

“It lessens physical contact and it prevents transmission of viruses. As long as we strictly follow and obey the quarantine rules,” she added.

For Tiolengco, the ongoing quarantine period, which was declared in mid-March, allowed him to identify her priorities.

“I learned to appreciate what I have and know what I truly need. My happiness (is now) as simple as seeing my family healthy during this pandemic. Now I complain less and appreciate more,” she said.

Meanwhile, another architect, 27-year-old Adrian Rutaquio, from Clark, Pampanga, said he complies with quarantine protocols even if it limits his movements and preventing him from visiting his family.

Aside from complying with the quarantine measures, Alexander Manalastas, 29, a billing processor residing in Pasay City, said the lockdown period gave him an opportunity to get a sideline helping him to boost his income.

He also opined that the government-imposed lockdown is also instrumental in gradually slowing the spread of Covid-19 infections.

And for barangay kagawad (councilor) Pogie Ching, 43, and also from Pasay City, said he is complying with the quarantine protocols and other health standards, which includes wearing of face masks and shields, to serve as an example to his constituents and to protect himself from the disease.

Meanwhile, 23-year-old Joshua Vidal, a Pasay City “Sangguniang Kabataan” chair said that aside from complying with the quarantine, he himself is helping his barangay institute this safety policy.

For housewife Miracar Gloeckner, 36 and of Imus, Cavite, said she is doing her part by only going out to buy essential supplies like food and medicines.

Meanwhile, Kristine Cruz, of Parañaque City, said the government’s quarantine protocols have an effect in limiting the spread of the disease.

She added that she is strictly complying with this policy and has limited her movement outside to buying food and other essential supplies while continuing to work from home. (with reports from Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)