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Decisions on public health should be science-based

By Wilnard Bacelonia

July 14, 2022, 7:15 pm

MANILA – Senator Nancy Binay stressed on Thursday the need to continue revisiting and reviewing the country’s public health policies to ensure that these are up-to-date and in line with international standards.

This, after Binay expressed her support for the government’s coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) booster campaign and calls to require Filipinos to get booster shots amid another surge in cases.

"Sa tingin ko (I think), at the end of the day, we need to always revisit the science behind our every decision on matters of public health like having a common index and definition of what 'fully vaccinated' is or should be compliant and aligned sa (in) World Health Organization or similar internationally-recognized and respected organizations,” Binay said in a statement.

She also observed that people became complacent and less vigilant after the recent drop in the number of Covid-19 cases, urging the Department of Health (DOH) to be aggressive in its third booster shot campaign.

"Paigtingin pa lalo ang pagbabakuna sa mga (Beef up the vaccination in) isolated and remote areas. Ang importante (What is important), we all agree that the paramount concern is to be fully protected from the virus,” Binay added.

With this, the lawmaker noted that the Senate might need to convene the Committee of the Whole once the 19th Congress opens to discuss pending concerns on Covid-19 like vaccination programs, access to boosters, the status of our healthcare workers, health and pandemic statistics, level of preparedness, and exit plans.

From July 4 to 10, the DOH recorded an average of 1,467 Covid-19 cases daily.

It warned that the surge could hit its peak of up to 11,000 new infections by the end of July, with increased hospital admissions by August to September.

Latest data showed that only 15.34 million Filipinos, out of an eligible population of 40 million, have so far availed of booster shots even though experts have been repeatedly saying that they provide additional protection against the virus. (PNA)

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