Health protocol violators led to

COVID-19 surge in Zambo – DOH

The surge of COVID-19 cases here is a result of people not taking seriously and not abiding by health protocols, particularly the wearing of face masks, social distancing and frequent handwashing and sanitizing, an official from the Department of Health (DOH) here said.

“Mayroon talaga tayong hindi nagagawa na protocol to prevent the spread of the virus,” said DOH-9 Assistant Regional Director Dr. Joshua Brillantes during the Kapihan na Zamboanga Bantay COVID-19 Public Briefing held this morning (July 17).

Despite continuous public advisories, many residents still violate the minimum health protocols. A report released by Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) spokesperson PCapt. Edwin Duco reveals that from July 15 to 16 in a span of only 24 hours, 459 health protocol violators were reported. The top three violations are not wearing face masks, violation of social distancing / gatherings and going out without quarantine passes.

The city reverted back to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) yesterday (July 16) due to the spike of COVID-19 cases.

“We encourage non-essentials to limit their movements, do not go outside your homes especially the children, senior citizens and those with co-morbidities,” Dr. Brillantes added.

“This is now a call for personal commitment and for the active role of each individuals to really abide by the new normal,” he said.

Yesterday (July 16), 14 additional cases of COVID-19 were reported in the city. The city now has 159 active cases. Total cumulative cases are at 356, with 189 recoveries and 10 mortalities.

The DOH recently launched the “BIDA Solusyon” campaign, which seeks to emphasize the following: B-awal walang mask, I-sanitize ang mga kamay, D-umistansya ng isang metro, A-lamin ang totoong impormasyon. (RVC/DIS/PIA9-ZAMSULTA)