UP profs urge public: Observe health protocols to help fight COVID-19

Two professors from the University of the Philippines on Friday urged Filipinos to continue observing health protocols to help slow the transmission of COVID-19 in the country.

In an interview on Dobol B sa News TV, Professors Guido David and Ranjit Rye both advised the public to wear masks, observe physical distancing, practice frequent hand washing, and avoid crowded as well as enclosed spaces.

Filipinos should also be proactive by getting tested, or avoiding going out when they feel ill, David added.

"Kailangan talaga 'yung social responsibility natin, kasi 'yung mga kilos ng mga taumbayan, naa-affect lahat ng tao," he said.

Rye and David are part of the UP OCTA research team, which projects there will be 85,000 COVID-19 cases in the country by the end of July if current trends continue. They presented their report to President Rodrigo Duterte last Wednesday night.

As of Thursday afternoon, the national tally was 61,266, more than 38,000 of which are active cases. Over 21,440 patients have recovered, and 1,643 have died.

David said researchers hope the number of cases will not reach their projected figure.

"Kami rin inaasahan namin na sana mapabagal natin 'yung transmission para hindi umabot sa 85,000. Hindi 'yan pusta, na tingin namin tatama ng 85,000; it's just a projection, ang gusto natin is mapababa siya," he said.

At the same time, Rye said the government should intensify its testing, tracing, treatment and isolation strategies. His research group also emphasizes that localized lockdowns should be "humane" and "protective of the rights of citizens," he said.

"Of course, tayo dapat mga mamamayan, may role tayo. Malaki ang role natin dito, mas malaki pa nga 'yung role natin kaysa sa gobyerno. Dapat tayong maging lalong maingat, lalong maagap... yung sinabi naming mga protocol ay dapat sundin," he said.

"Kung sama-sama ho tayo, magtutulungan, balewala ho 'yung pandemya, kakayanin natin 'tong surge na 'to," he added.  —LBG, GMA News