Remain vigilant even with COVID-19 vaccines available – Go

Sen. Christopher Go (Photo from his office)

MANILA, Philippines — Keep taking precautions against COVID-19 even with vaccines already available, Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go urged Filipinos in a statement issued on Monday, noting that Metro Manila has recently recorded a spike in the number of coronavirus infections.

“Yes, the vaccines are already here, but we must not be complacent as the virus is still around. Let us continue to observe health protocols as we go about our daily lives,” he said.

He stressed the importance of sticking to the precautions — wearing masks and face shields, frequent handwashing, observing social distancing, and avoiding unessential trips.

Citing medical experts, Go said that wearing a mask the risk of contracting and spreading the coronavirus by 85 percent. A mask worn with a face shield and social distancing further reduces the risk to more than 90 percent, he added.

At the same time, Go urged the public to trust the vaccines, saying: “Let’s not be afraid of the vaccines. Let’s fear COVID-19. The vaccines will kill COVID-19. Vaccines are the key to solving this problem.”

Go further highlighted the need to keep the health care system afloat as the country aims to achieve herd immunity against COVID-19.

“Let us work together to keep the enemy at bay until we achieve herd immunity,” he said. “Life may really be hard now, but our primary goal is to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our country so that we can speed up our return to a normal life.”

Meanwhile, Go also said that his office would continue to assist Filipinos in crisis situations while complying with existing health protocols.

“As I have mentioned before, we, as leaders, must do everything we can to unburden our fellow Filipinos during these trying times,” he said.

Go and his team would continue, as they go around the country, to encourage Filipinos to get vaccinated to propel the country further towards herd immunity.

“It is important to allay the fears and strengthen public confidence in vaccines. When the right time comes, I and other key officials are willing to be inoculated in public, not because officials are prioritized, but because we need to show the rest of the country that vaccines are safe and effective,” Go said.

So far, the country has received vaccines from Sinovac which was a donation from China, and Astra Zeneca through the COVAX facility spearheaded by the World Health Organization.

Go thanked the national government, local government units, the private sector and international partners for their bayanihan efforts in acquiring safe and effective vaccines for Filipinos.

“Our efforts continue as we aim to accelerate our vaccine rollout in order to lead the country and our people towards full recovery,” he said.

He also continued to reassure that the poor and the vulnerable are in the government’s priority list for inoculation after frontliners.

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