How has Batanes remained COVID-free?

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has claimed many lives not only in the Philippines but also across the globe since it first broke out late last year.

Batanes, however, has managed to keep COVID-19 at bay even though the pandemic has been raging for months.

According to Shai Lagarde’s “Stand for Truth” report on Monday, Batanes remains free from COVID-19 thanks to early preventive measures, strict protocols, setting up quarantine resorts, heightened vigilance, and the “Bayanihan” spirit.

Early prevention, strict protocols

Governor Marilou Cayco proudly said that Batanes braced itself for COVID-19 as early as January.

“Bago pa man mag-deklara ng community quarantine ang NCR, maaga nang nagkaroon ng iba’t ibang pagpupulong ang task force. Maaga ring in-activate ang mga barangay health emergency response teams. Maaga rin kaming nagsara,” she said.

“January pa lamang, nagtatag na ang probinsya ng Batanes ng COVID-19 monitoring and screening team sa Basco airport,” she added.

Cayco also said that local authorities ensure returning residents’ strict adherence to the mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Quarantine resorts

Locally stranded individuals (LSI) who return to Batanes are treated to a hotel stay for the duration of their quarantine.

The hotel accommodation comes with healthy food and rooms with a beautiful view to help fight boredom.

“Sa airport, ‘yung protocols nila do’n, impressive naman. Makikita mo talaga na hindi dahil COVID-free kami, puchu-puchu lang,” LSI Maria Claire Gulaga said.

Heightened vigilance

Cayco said the Batanes government decided to put people’s health before the economy.

“Maraming mawawalan ng trabaho pag sinara mo ‘yan. Maraming negosyo: ‘yung may mga hotels, may restaurant, fishermen, souvenir items... Pero inisip namin, ekonomiya ba o kalusugan?” she said.

“Mas madaling tulungan ang nawalan ng trabaho o negosyo kaysa mawalan ng buhay. Ang pera ay kikitain pero pag nawalan ng buhay, hindi mo na yan maibabalik,” she added.

Bayanihan spirit

Batanes residents also credited the strong bayanihan culture on the island for its victories against COVID-19.

“Kapag sinabihan mo naman sila, hindi sila ‘yung mga tao like sa city na ‘Hindi ‘yan, wala ‘yan.’ Hindi pa maniniwala hangga’t walang nakikitang severe na case. Sa sobrang pagmamahal din nila sa pamilya, sobrang ingat din nila,” Gulaga said.

“Sobrang naapektuhan ang industry sa tourism dahil nga dito sa pandemic pero ang mahalaga, nakakabangon kami at saka tinutulungan kami ng provincial government makaahon kami,” said tour guide Hilda Agsolid. -- Julia Mari Ornedo/BAP, GMA News