DOH: Community Transmission Is Cause Of Rising COVID-19 Cases

We all went into lockdown, hoping COVID-19 will help the government isolate cases and contain outbreaks. Flatten the curve, so to speak. That is why our community quarantine had levels (ECQ and then GCQ), there were checkpoints, and you needed documents for travel, among other restrictions.

When we went into GCQ and began easing restrictions, many of us hoped that perhaps it was the start of a (very slow) return to what life was before the quarantine. Unfortunately, the Department of Health confirmed community transmission was contributing to the rising COVID-19 cases, as the Philippine News Agency reported. We are now past 50,000.

What other parents are reading

LOOK: This Lolo Converted Former Pigpen Into A Swimming Pool For His Apos

Better Than Inflatables! Family Builds Backyard Pool For P10,000

What is community transmission

According to the Philippine Star, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the the Department of Health (DOH) could no longer see the link of current COVID-19 infections to any positive case.

“This means that the infection is coming from everywhere,” the daily newspaper added.

“We call it ‘community transmission.’ Most of what’s happening right now is because of community transmission,” Vergeire was quoted as saying.

Community transmission is terrible news because it means there is “no clear source of origin of the infection in a new community.”

If COVID-19 cases occur in people of a specific municipality, but they did not have known contact with those from hotspots like Metro Manila, that’s community transmission. It is not easy to contain because you don’t know, or it is unclear where people picked up the virus. Do not forget another awful thing about COVID-19: You can have it and not show any symptoms (asymptomatic).

What other parents are reading

Woman Goes To The E.R., Finds Out She's Pregnant...And About To Give Birth

Find Homeschool, Blended And Distance Learning Providers Plus Their Tuition Fees!

How to protect yourself from an airborne virus

So what can we do? Well, we keep doing what have done since we found out about COVID-19.

“It may sound repetitive but we will not stop reminding everyone to wear masks, observe physical distancing, sanitize. This is DOH’s call to everybody, whether you be in the private or public sector,” Vergeire said.

And in case you missed it, 239 scientists said evidence strongly suggests coronavirus may be airborne. So when you talk, exhale or sing , you expel droplets or aerosoles. If you have coronavirus, you’re spreading the virus via these droplets.

If the coronavirus is airborne (it can be transmitted through aerosols and stay in the air), we put ourselves at risk in crowded indoor spaces where there is no fresh air, a New York Times article said. That makes wearing a mask vital, even when physical distancing is observed.

What other parents are reading

Successful Surgery Separates Twins Joined At Head At Vatican Pediatric Hospital

This Is The Number Of Wet Diapers Your Baby Should Have In 24 Hours, Says PH Doctor

An aerosol expert NYT interviewed suggested opening windows and doors whenever possible to “avoid recirculated or stagnant air, the kind you’d get in public bathrooms or offices.”

“Public buildings and businesses may want to invest in air purifiers and ultraviolet lights that can kill the virus,” the article added.  

And, finally, continue to stay put wherever you are whenever you can. Every day that we stay home minimizes our risk of getting infected and those we come into contact with.

What other parents are reading

7 Sneaky Ways to Get Kids to Practice Their Handwriting

Mahapdi, Umiinit o Nangangasim na Sikmura? Alamin ang Dahilan at Gamot sa Pananakit

Buntis Ba Ako? Heto ang Pregnancy Test Results ng Ilang Mommy

Successful Surgery Separates Twins Joined At Head At Vatican Pediatric Hospital