From Dr. Bryce McIntyre of San Andres town comes this most welcome pat on our backs:
“Dear Mr. Gianan: This is just a note to say how much I appreciate reading Catanduanes Tribune. I recently retired here from the United States with my Filipina wife, and I always look forward to the next edition of the Tribune. I am learning a lot about local customs and politics, thanks to you. As an erstwhile journalist and smalltown newspaper editor myself, I deeply appreciate the talent and effort required to put out a small newspaper like yours, especially on a limited budget. In my experience, it’s largely a thankless task, but you seem to be making a valiant effort and doing an excellent job. Thank you.“
Kind words like these, especially from a former newspaperman who also fought for the survival of the printed news in this increasingly digital age, encourage us to persevere and dedicate all our efforts to this noble task.
Perhaps in the next few weeks, we will meet with Dr. McIntyre to swap stories and exchange views on our experiences.
*****
In the last week, the number of new COVID-19 cases in Catanduanes has risen by 50 percent compared to the previous week, indicating that there is an increasing risk of transmission among the local population.
After eight cases were recorded from June 17 to 24, 12 new ones were reported in the succeeding week that ended July 2.
In the past months since the election campaign, there has been a general relaxation of minimum health protocols among the public, especially the wearing of face masks.
Anyone who ventures out into the streets, the market, talipapas and outside public schools, a considerable number of people are ignoring the warnings of the government to continue wearing face masks.
Perhaps, the local authorities, especially the police, should at least impose discipline among the people especially in the town centers, markets and stores.
It is still not too late to prevent another surge of cases that will eventually be a burden on our inadequate healthcare system.
*****
According to the Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development (DOH Bicol CHD), the 50 new cases recorded in the region this June 22-28, 2022 showed a 127% increase compared to the previous week.
With the present trend projected to continue, it urged the public to continue practicing health protocols such as wearing the best-fitted face masks, hand washing, or hand sanitizing, social distancing, and ensuring airflow. The three (3) Cs – closed contact, closed spaces, and crowded places should also be avoided. Self-isolation and early consultation should also be observed once symptoms manifest.
On top of these personal practices, the importance of being vaccinated and receiving the required number of booster doses is emphasized, it said.
Vaccines are proven effective as shown by the low number of cases to no recorded cases in previous months. However, due to the waning immunity from vaccines, the Bicol CHD urged the public who are due for booster doses to get their booster shots.
All individuals ages 18 and above, have to receive their first (1st) booster at least three (3) months after their second (2nd) dose. For the second (2nd) booster, senior citizens, health workers ages 18 and above, may receive their second (2nd) booster at least four (4) months after the first (1st) booster while immune-compromised individuals ages 18 and above may receive their second (2nd) booster at least three (3) months after the (1st) booster.
*****
THE BEAUTIFUL WIFE. A man was just coming out of anesthesia after a series of tests in the hospital, and his wife was sitting at his bedside. His eyes fluttered open, and he murmured, “You’re beautiful.”
Flattered, the wife continued her vigil while he drifted back to sleep. Later, her husband woke up and said, “You’re cute.”
Startled, she asked him, “What happened to ‘beautiful?'” He replied, “The drugs are wearing off.”