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Spike

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I only have a few regrets in life, and most of these regrets result from incidents when I was not kind enough, not from times when I was not harsh, vindictive, self-affirming enough.

In these times of crisis, I consciously choose to be a lot kinder to people, our leaders included. There will be a time to evaluate their performance. The moment of reckoning will inevitably come. But, for now, they're all we've got.

This is what’s on my mind as Ilocos Norte ranks on top among provinces that recorded COVID-19 cases in a day (92) and as Laoag City is placed under localized modified enhanced community quarantine. The latest turn of events actually come as a surprise because Ilocos Norte is known to have heavily regulated and heavily guarded borders.

Why the spike in cases? We do not want to point fingers, but I think we should stop blaming our people. By and large, they, we, are not pasaway. People will follow strict measures as long as these are consistently and intelligently enforced. We trust that our government will continue to harness the collective goodness of people in arresting the upsurge of this virus.

Let us, dear karikna, help each other. Whining, instead of helping, in a time of widespread human suffering... I don't want to add this to my tomorrow's short list of regrets.

 

***

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew M. Manotoc held a press conference on Tuesday, December 1. He was joined by Laoag City Mayor Michael M. Keon and the usual actors in the province’s Covid-19 response. Here are a couple of key points made.

·        Almost 600 underwent swab testing at the Laoag City public market on Nov. 30. Because of the heavy turnout, social distancing was not followed, and pictures of people crowding the tents went viral on social media. Governor Manotoc and Mayor Keon assured the public that this will not happen again as they encouraged the public to volunteer for swab testing so that we can arrest the spike in cases in the soonest possible time.

·        The city government of Laoag is in locking down the tiendaan anew after recording seven COVID-19 cases. Laoagueños will have to resort to talipapas in their respective barangays.

·        The city government will distribute relief packages to 16,000 residents.

·        COVID-19 patients at the Ilocos Norte provincial jail are properly isolated. They are provided with sufficient food, vitamins, and disinfectants. The inmates are also given enough time to exercise.

·        Five persons were intercepted at the border for presenting fake test results. Cases have been filed against them

·        The number of people in gatherings will be limited to 15 for indoor venues and 40 for outdoor venues, regardless of capacity. For Laoag, there should not be more than five people gathering, and this is usually for religious activities.

·        Ilocos Norte cannot lock down entirely. Economic activity should not be halted.

·        COVID-19 cash relief for tourism workers to be distributed. Application of beneficiaries ongoing.

·        Gov. Marcos Manotoc’s wish: lifting of MECQ in Laoag City, if possible before his birthday on November 9.

 

***

Congratulations to the Mariano Marcos State University for obtaining a 100 percent passing rate in the 2020 Physician Licensure Examination. It’s the first time they fielded examinees, and the seven passers are Ilocos Norte’s first batch of homegrown doctors. This, dear karikna, is not beginner’s luck, but a clear testament to MMSU’s commitment to excellence. Congratulations to President Shirley Agrupis and to the whole MMSU community.

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