Negligence of COVID-19 Existences rises with PH Cases

A call-out culture prevails as many Filipinos show neglect toward COVID-19 protocols, echoing an ASEAN survey conducted last January in which citizens gave the Philippine government the lowest approval rating.

Cases of Error and Doubt

Throughout the pandemic, the entire country has been subjected to vastly different levels of community quarantine to prevent the spread of the infection. Despite the enduring efforts to curb the virus escalation, netizens criticized and even advised the authorities to “recommend more scientists and medical doctors to participate in public policy discourse and adhere to their advice.” Furthermore, the accuracy of reports on COVID-19 cases is also subject to skepticism. According to a survey operated in October 2020 by the Social Weather Stations (SWS), an overwhelming 70% of Filipinos believed the number of actual cases published by the government is exaggerated. With reference to reliable polls and data, cases of doubt against governing bodies are inevitable.

Is the Worst of the Pandemic Over?

Aside from the Philippine government’s controversial handling of current events, Filipinos’ lax attitude stems from additional problematic factors. As shown in a separate survey conducted by SWS in November 2020, approximately 7 out of 10 Filipinos assume the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic had already passed. While citizens maintain much of their faith, believing that the worst of the health crisis has gone, more establishments have opened doors, and Local Government Unit (LGU) travel borders have become considerably lax. Consequently, such occurrences prompted individuals to take a more relaxed approach to the pandemic protocols.

Call-out against Lax Filipinos

A surge of recent incidents depicting rule violations has raised serious concerns among the government and the general public. An excellent illustration is a Caloocan resort that opened for business last May 9, a Mother’s Day celebration, despite LGU regulations. To relate on a more local level, the Misamis Oriental provincial government issued a warning, on the 3rd of May, to Capitol workers who continued to violate COVID-19 health protocols. In an effort to address the rising cases of neglectful individuals, the head of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), Dr. Jerie Calingasan, warned employee violators of “repercussions.” Even months after the operation of said data collection, Filipinos continue to embody a lax attitude, encouraging economic recession and socioeconomic gaps.

Vaccine Suspicions Wreak Havoc

The continuous manifestation of drawbacks in governance is an indicator of public complacency. An influential factor is the problems with the fragmented healthcare system, which became even more apparent. Such an aspect has intensified suspicions of vaccine brands that have entered the country’s vicinity. According to an online survey conducted by COVID-19 vaccine researchers at the University of Santo Tomas in February, approximately 9 out of 10 Filipinos are concerned about the safety and authenticity of COVID-19 vaccines. While the majority of respondents to vaccination surveys are concerned about the effects and efficacy rates, this indicates that Filipinos are still worried about the COVID-19 virus.

Complacency Prompts Call for Better Action

A year has gone since the government imposed one of the world’s longest lockdowns in response to an increase in COVID-19 cases. The tendency toward complacency prompts a call for better action from proper authorities. Without the implementation of appropriate measures, the nation faces future apprehension. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) urged national and local government agencies to postpone “non-critical” activities involving massive gatherings. On the whole, government efforts would be meaningless without the cooperation of its constituents.

Sources: bit.ly/3lTaHpz; bit.ly/3xI3pqV bit.ly/3yHW5NE; bit.ly/3AsMCKg