Self-discipline slows down Covid 19, says DOH-10 exec

NORTHERN Mindanao health department (DOH-10) head of non-communicable disease cluster Dr. Ian Christian Gonzales on Tuesday said the spread of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 could be slowed if people had “self-discipline.”

Gonzales said that the challenge to the public is simple, whatever community quarantine measures we are in, in the end, it is in the hands of the public whether they will be infected or not by COVID-19 or the case will spread or not.

The fight against Covid-19 would only be successful if everyone heeds the precautionary measures imposed by the government, according to Gonzales.

"It is still important to be careful and follow health protocol," said Gonzales during the Talakayan sa PIA.

The economy of the region slowly opens and that the age bracket of those who are allowed to go out and travel has been minimized.

Gonzales said that the national government is in constant monitoring to avoid any possible re-spreading of the virus in the country.

This is to balance the economy and health in this time of pandemic, according to Gonzales.

“Even if we eased up, we are still very cognizant of the possible changes in our situation," he said adding that the national government is assessing if there are needs to increase or decrease, to have much stricter or more relaxed community quarantine measures depending on certain indicators. 

"It is a big challenge for all of us, for the government on how to balance health and economy,” Gonzales said.

DOH reminds the public that with the opening of the economy, there are preventive measures that are taking place both in work and business places assuring that the economy runs but at the same time protecting the health of the public.

Gonzales said, doing to keep the workplace, business establishments open at the same time, protecting the health of the people both in government and private facilities. 

"Basically, its foundational support underline with BIDA Solusyon,” Gonzales said.

The campaign promotes BIDA, means Bawal walang mask, I-sanitize ang mga kamay, iwas-hawak sa mga bagay, Dumistansya ng isang metro, Alamin ang totoong impormasyon.

He further urged individuals to be proactive and to follow the minimum health protocol.

"The key to defeating the pandemic lies in the hands of every citizen and not just the government alone," said Gonzales. (Recthie Tolinero/JAKA/PIA10)