Five new cases in Baguio Doctor warns: Covid still around, protection needed

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY — There still are five active Covid-19 cases, bared head of Health Services Office - City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit Dr. Donnabel Tubera-Panes in media forum at city hall last week.

    With this, she said precautionary measures against Covid-19 should still be done, including wearing of face masks, frequent handwashing and social distancing, if possible.
    Face masks are needed especially in crowded places and risk areas such as hospitals, despite government orders dropping its use, she added.
    New batches of vaccines are awaited, Dr. Panes said.  “A culture of protection and prevention is needed as the virus is still much in circulation especially with the opening of classes, face-to-face group activities and leisure venues.”
    Since the start of the pandemic, Dr. Panes said there have been 47,145 cases and 932 direct Covid deaths.
    More deaths were reportedly listed as to the effect of the pandemic including self-inflicted harm, due to anxiety and depression.
    As of now, the Covid Arcturus subtype is dominant but can be detected in hospital tests.
    Symptoms for Covid include, fever/chills, cough, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, body pains and headache. 
    Symptomatics, especially those below 12 years old were advised to stay home from school to clear hospital beds as displacement may go up to 80%, Panes said. “Know your risks and undergo screening procedures from health facilities.”
    Schools also reported cases of conjunctivitis, or sore eyes in September and October. Frequent handwashing was advised.