Quezon City 4th District Councilor Hero Bautista reiterated to his constituents to strictly follow social distancing guidelines and hygiene protocols.
COVID-19 cases have spiked after the holiday season, prompting the government to tighten quarantine restrictions.
Bautista noted that even vaccinated individuals can get infected with the latest variant of the COVID-19 virus and while the symptoms might not be severe enough to cause hospitalization, it would be best to monitor themselves in the event of any symptoms.
“May tinatawag na ‘breakthrough infection’. Ito ang nangyayari sa mga vaccinated na. Nagkakaroon pa rin ng Covid 19 kahit fully vaccinated na. Ang kaibahan natin, we are less likely to go severe. Kaya kadalasan, home care na lang (There is this “breakthrough infection.” It happens to those who are already vaccinated. They can still have COVID-19. The difference is, the infection is not severe, so only home care is needed),” he said.
Bautista reminded his constituents of the possible symptoms of COVID-19, including headaches and colds that usually subsides after three days.
He further warned that those who experienced these symptoms, especially those who have been fully vaccinated, should not be complacent.
“Akala mo, wala lang. Akala mo nahamugan ka lang. Akala mo normal na sipon lang. So ang next mong gagawin, lalabas ka. Mamamalengkeka. Pupunta ka sa public places, papasok ka sa trabaho. Hindi mo alam dala dala mo pa rin ang virus. So ano ang resulta? Nakapanghawa ka ng hindi mo alam. Ang masaklap pa, ang nahawaan mo ay unvaccinated pa na maaaring mamatay (You might think it’s nothing or just a normal cold. This is why you will still go out to public places or to your workplace. The result? You might infect someone who is unvaccinated. That is what’s dangerous as that person can die).” he said.
Because of this, Bautista urged his constituents to stay at home unless it is for urgent matters.
“So to all who are vaccinated, do not ignore that headache, fever, or cold. Treat it as breakthrough infection. Isolate and do not go out. Unless you have proof that you negative for COVID-19, don’t venture out,” he said, adding that at this point, people should prioritize ways of not spreading the virus and not infecting others.
Bautista has also deployed his office’s mobile to offer free antigen tests in his district in order for his constituents to get tested for their assurance and peace of mind. Bautista’s staff also made the rounds to different barangays to distribute hygiene packs which included alcohol, face masks, hand sanitizers, and other essentials.