Davao City kept its five percent COVID-19 positivity rate recently, which the Davao COVID-19 Task Force said is a piece of good news.
Davao COVID-19 Task Force Spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser, during the Bida Bakunado program over 87.5 Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Friday, October 29, said, “Consistent ta sa five (We have been consistent at five percent). That’s actually a good number.”
She said there is nothing to be anxious about as in the latest Department of Health Davao COVID-19 daily case bulletin. As of October 28, Davao City logged 1,111 active cases from the total 53,125 cases since the pandemic struck in March 2020.
“Dili man pud kaayo ta ma worry because (There’s no cause for worry because) we are not looking at the numbers but at the positive rate,” Dr. Schlosser said.
Of the city’s 53,125 cases, 50,337 have recovered and 1,677 have died.
The city health official said, “So far, consistent ta sa five, which is the acceptable positivity rate. Consistent gyud na kuntahay gamay atong cases, gamay pud na ang deaths (So far, we have been consistent at five percent, which is the acceptable positivity rate. We are consistent, when we have low cases, we also have low deaths). So far, we have days nga zero deaths ta (that we have zero deaths). If I’m not mistaken, two days na zero deaths ta (we have zero deaths). That’s actually good news!”
She also bared that the city has sufficient COVID-19 beds and ICU beds that cater to coronavirus cases in both public (Southern Philippines Medical Center) and other private COVID-19 admitting hospitals.
Dr. Schlosser added, “Wala tay problema sa utility sa atoang beds (We don’t have a problem with our bed utilization). We have enough.
Although Davao City’s Alert Level 3 Status has been extended from November 1 to 14, 2021, the Davao COVID-19 Task Force called on the cooperation of Dabawenyos in adhering to the public minimum health standards (PMHS).
“Unang-una una long weekend ta, usually labi na karon nga medyo luag na atoang mga health protocols, please lang intawon ayaw lang ta kaayo magkumpyansa – mauso ang social gatherings, reunions, and labi na gyud na pwede na makainom ang katawhan (We’ll have a long weekend, and since we have eased our health protocols, please don’t be complacent – with social gatherings, reunions, and since drinking liquor has been allowed),” Dr. Schlosser appealed.
November 1, which is All Saints’ Day, is a special non-working holiday while November 2, All Souls’ Day, is a special working holiday.
In the Executive Order (EO) No. 59-A Series of 2021 of Mayor Inday Sara Duterte, the liquor ban has been modified. Selling liquor for consumption and drinking alcohol in public places are prohibited 24/7 a day until January 15, 2022. But drinking liquor is allowed in private properties only. The selling of liquor is strictly not allowed from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. every day.
Dr. Schlosser reminded Dabawenyos to keep wearing face masks, practice social distancing, and wash hands frequently. Wearing face shields in crowded places, closed areas, and close contact is also important.
She also encouraged the public to get vaccinated, saying that it’s an added protection to one’s self and the community.CIO
