Most Covid-19 transmissions in the Davao Region are locally-acquired.
Dr. Cleo Fe Tabada, head of Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU 11) of the Department of Health 11 (DOH 11), said in a virtual presser that local community transmission has replaced the previous causes from contacts with returning locally stranded individuals (LSIs) and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Davao City.
As this developed, the regional office of the health department is looking at influencers to bring the message of the importance of the health protocols to the people in the community.
“Nakita na gyud nato na ang labanan (Covid-19 transmission) karon naa na sa community ug tungod niini nag-engage ta sa community ug nangita ta ug champions in the community. Although naka-engage nata ug influencers kay nangita ta ug tao ug magpatabang ta ug deliver sa message para masabtan sa mga tao ug sundon sa mga tao ang health protocols. Kay usahay bisan unsa kanindot ang atong message kung dili ta influential dili ta ang gina-paminaw regularly,” Tabada said.
She added that they go inside the community to see what the situation is and are studying how to make messages applicable to the community.
Tabada also said that despite implementing barangay lockdowns, if the people would not follow the health protocols the increase of Covid-19 cases is expected.
“Naay mga areas nga naay nahitabo na kaso unya nag-spread then nag-lockdown. Naa pud mga areas nga naay nakit-an nga kaso unya nag-lockdown and then naay nakita na additional cases. Ang pinaka-common na nakita nato sa pag-spread tungod kay these occurred within congested places and people cannot help but be in contact with each other maskin pa ug atoa silang bawalan. If they go to the alleys mag-tagbo gyud sila,” she said.
Tabada said some people, especially those residing in a congested areas, do not follow instructions even the proper wearing of face mask and face shield.
“Apparently pag-suroy namo sa mga areas, kung commercial ang area mag-mask mag shield pero kung within the residential area kung sa akoa pang inistoryahan “mag-ilis lang ug sinina saka na musuot ug mask ug face shield.” Maka-guol siya ug ingon ana ang amoang nakit an,” she said.
She said given this scenario it is expected that cases will increase despite implementing lockdowns.
“Lockdowns are supposed to keep them from spreading and allow the persons to stay in the house para dili na maka- spread ang virus. With the lockdowns, dili gihapon sila mupatuo sa instructions expected na mag-karoon ug cases within the lockdown area. But again whether nag-lockdown o dili kung medyo congested ang area ug dili gina-follow ang health protocols naa jud transmission,” she said.
