Senators urge stricter observance of health protocols amid 'alarming' surge of COVID cases

Senators on Monday urged the public to strictly observe health protocols as they expressed alarm over the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the past few days.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III stressed the need for "stricter implementation of health protocols" amid the surge in COVID-19 cases.

"We have become too complacent," he said in a text message shared with reporters.

The Senate leader likewise said that considering recent development, it is not yet safe to place the entire country under modified general community quarantine.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto echoed Sotto's call.

"Observe all health protocols strictly. Social distance, wearing of mask and face shield when in public, wash your hands. If not important don't leave home. Regardless of quarantine status," he said.

The Philippines’ tally of COVID-19 cases leapt to 594,412 on Sunday after the Department of Health reported 3,276 new infections. This is the third straight day where more than 3,000 cases were reported.

The OCTA Research group said COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila continue to go up at a faster rate.

The group said the capital region’s 1,025 new cases per day on the average from February 28 to March 6 represents an increase of 42% from the week before and an increase of 130% compared to two weeks ago.

Metro Manila's reproduction rate for the period went up to 1.66, the group also said, adding that the current surge is "spreading more quickly than the July-August surge" which could be due to the coronavirus variants detected in the country.

Senators Sonny Angara and Panfilo Lacson found this rise in COVID-19 cases "alarming."

"Many have let their guard down and we have to go back to observing social distancing as these new variants are reportedly more infectious and require less contact time than previous variants for one to contract the new variant," Angara said.

"There should be an information campaign on these new variants and the importance of staying and being (even more) careful," he added.

For his part, Lacson stressed the need to improve the country's contact tracing efforts amid the faster spread of the disease.

"Contact tracing is key - first to determine the specific areas where the surges occur or are evident so that extra control measures and closer supervision can be instituted immediately," he said.

"This is where the role of the LGUs becomes indispensable since they are the closest to the potential spreaders, not to mention familiarity with the people in their localities," he added.

For her part, Senator Grace Poe believes that the surge in COVID-19 cases should be addressed through immediate vaccination of health workers and other priority groups.

"We should vaccinate faster than the virus can spread. This is taking into account that the supply of the government-procured and donated doses will reach the Philippines on time," she said.

"We count on the task force to continue equitable negotiations for the purchase of safe and efficient vaccines, complemented by a smooth implementation of the inoculation program," she added.

The Philippines began its COVID-19 vaccination program on March 1 after the arrival of 600,000 doses of Sinovac vaccines, which was immediately followed by 487,000 doses of vaccines from AstraZeneca.

On Sunday, another batch of 38,400 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines arrived in the country.—AOL, GMA News