PIDSP fears easing quarantine rules could lead to spread of diseases

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines on Saturday expressed concerns, especially for children, that easing of quarantine protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to the increase in the transmission of diseases.

Interviewed at the Laging Handa public briefing, Dr. Anna Ong-Lim, PIDSP Board Member, cited a Department of Health (DOH) data indicating that the country's child immunization rate was only at 16 percent for the first quarter, which is lower than the 25 percent actual target.

"Kung nakakarinig ako ng ganiyan, lalo na bilang isang pediatric infectious disease specialist, ako'y talagang kinakabahan kasi alam naman natin na 'pag nagsimula na itong pagluwag ng quarantine status, nagkukumpol-kumpol na naman ang mga tao. At, dahil diyan sa pagkukumpulan na 'yan, iyan ang mitsa ng pagkalat ng sakit," Lim said.

She pointed out the importance of having children vaccinated, particularly those one year olds up to under five years old, amid the COVID-19 pandemic to protect them from various diseases.

Lim said private clinics are currently having schedules by appointments to avoid crowding in waiting rooms and hospitals.

Measles became a problem last year, where 70,000 were affected and 1,000 have died, according to Lim.

"Dahil nakikita natin na sobrang nakakahawa itong mga sakit na ito, ang tanging lunas lamang ay pagbabakuna, and kung nasusunod sana natin 'yung regular schedule hindi naman sobrang dalas 'yung kailangan na visits para mabuo 'yung schedule." —LBG, GMA News