Ex-VP Binay: Public should remain vigilant vs COVID-19

Former Vice President and senatorial bet Jejomar Binay talks to a resident of Naga City during a visit to the Naga City Mall. Binay had earlier visited Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur where he met local officials, employees, and residents.

MANILA, Philippines — Former Vice President and senatorial candidate Jejomar Binay said the public should not let its guard down despite the recent drop in COVID-19 cases.

Binay, who is running under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), said the public should heed the reminder of the World Health Organization (WHO) not to be complacent, citing the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in several countries.

“Aside from the prevalence of the more contagious variant, another factor that has led to an increase in infections in other countries is the premature relaxation of health protocols. Huwag nating hayaan na mangyari uli ito sa atin,” Binay said.

The former Vice President said he is supporting government efforts to focus its vaccination drive in provinces with a considerable number of unvaccinated residents.

While government would still need to provide aid to sectors affected by the pandemic, Binay said the public should do its part by observing health protocols.

Those who are not yet vaccinated should get the vaccine shots, he added.

“We need to work together to hasten our recovery from the pandemic. Kapag marami ang bakunado, mas may dagdag na proteksyon tayo.  Mas ligtas na lumabas ng mga bahay at magtrabaho,” Binay said.

The government had said around 65 million individuals have been fully immunized against COVID-19 as of March 15, or five million short of its target of 70 million. Health officials recently announced they will now focus on small localities outside Metro Manila with low vaccination rates.

/MUF