Press Release
March 17, 2021

Amid rising COVID-19 cases, Bong Go urges gov't to strictly implement health protocols, heighten masks distribution and info campaign on the country's pandemic situation

As numbers of COVID-19 infection cases in Metro Manila and other parts of the country continue to rise, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go urged the government to strictly enforce necessary health and safety protocols, particularly in public places. He also called for greater cooperation and continuing vigilance from the public to slow the spread of the virus.

"I urge concerned agencies to strictly enforce necessary health and safety protocols, especially in public places," Go said.

"Let us continue to work together and not waste the sacrifices we have done the past year in trying to control the spread of COVID-19. Let us support the National Vaccine Roadmap so we can all return to normalcy the soonest possible time," he added.

In order to strictly implement health protocols, Go said that the government should continue to provide free masks in areas frequently visited by the public. He also asked concerned agencies to heighten the government's information campaign about the country's pandemic situation.

"Let's be more proactive in implementing a stricter mask wearing policy. Kung walang mask ang tao, bigyan natin. Lalo na sa mga lugar na madalas puntahan at sa mga barangay," Go urged.

"Paigtingin din natin ang ating information campaign laban sa pandemya upang alam ng mga Pilipino ang kanilang gagawin para makatulong sa pagtigil ng pagkalat ng virus," he added.

In line with this, Go appealed to the public not to fall into compliance fatigue and continue to remain vigilant against the virus.

"Iwasan po natin ang maging kampante. Filipinos must encourage each other, police each other, remind each other para mas mabilis tayo makabangon," he reminded.

He assured the public that the government is accelerating the vaccine rollout and will ensure that other priority groups, particularly the poor and vulnerable sectors will not be left behind.

"Pagkatapos po ng mga frontliners, dadalhin po natin yang mga bakuna sa mga mahihirap na komunidad. Uunahin natin sila. Sa ngayon, bigyan po muna natin sila ng kailangang proteksyon tulad ng masks, face shields, at sapat na paalala sa mga patakaran na dapat sundin," Go said.

On top of distributing masks in public places, Go earlier urged concerned agencies to provide masks to those who cannot afford to buy their own and also help local industries by supporting local producers and manufacturers of masks.

"Wearing masks can save lives. Buying locally made masks can also provide jobs. Magtulungan po tayo upang makabangon tayo muli mula sa krisis na ito," he said.

Go echoed the observation of medical experts that the proper wearing of standard masks reduces the risk of contracting and spreading the virus by 85%. Meanwhile, proper wearing of masks, coupled with face shields and social distancing, further reduces the risk to more than 90%.

The Senator assured that the government is working hard to secure more vaccines for Filipinos so normalcy may finally be restored in the country.

"Allow me to reassure everyone that, as we navigate our lives during the pandemic, public service will not be hampered. We will stay truthful to our promise and commitment to serve the interest of the Filipino first before the political interests of anyone else," he also mentioned.

He also urged fellow government officials not to waste their time on political bickering and partisan talks as Filipinos need full government attention to address the issues caused by COVID-19.

"Bayanihan, serbisyo, at pagmamalasakit -- these remain our main focus. Let us honor our frontliners and help our government by following the necessary health and safety protocols while focusing our attention on how to best serve our communities," he said. "For us to heal as one and recover as one, we must act as one! Our unity and cooperation can save the lives of our fellow Filipinos!" he concluded.

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