KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) --  “To everyone who participated and cooperated in the control of COVID-19 at the height of the pandemic, thank you so much,” said Dr. Rogelio Aturdido Jr., provincial health officer of South Cotabato, during the provincial government convocation program, Monday.
 
This means that wearing of face mask is optional, he added, but emphasized that everyone should still keep their guards up against the coronavirus disease.
 
In his message during the flag-raising ceremony at the Provincial Capitol, Dr. Aturdido noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Proclamation No. 297 on July 21, lifting the state of public health emergency throughout the Philippines due to COVID-19, thereby withdrawing, revoking, and cancelling all prior orders memoranda, and issuances that are effective only during the state of public health emergency.
 
“This does not mean that the COVID-19 virus has been eradicated,” Aturdido underscored. “We still have to maintain our minimum health practices because COVID-19 is still present.”
 
Besides wearing of face mask, minimum health practices also include regular washing of hand and physical distancing.
 
Wearing of the face mask, he elaborated, will not only protect a person from COVID-19 virus but also from other infectious diseases that are transmitted through respiratory route.
 
“As a public health officer, I would still opt to wear face mask in crowded and enclosed places. I would also get COVID-19 vaccine – even if I have to pay for it --  especially if I were a senior citizen with comorbidities,” Aturdido said as he encouraged everyone to sustain personal protection against the virus and boost their immune system.
 
Data from the Department of Health – Center for Health Development Soccsksargen Region (DOH-CHD XII), indicate that as of July 23, 2023, COVID-19 has affected a total of 25,163 South Cotabateños; 31 of these are currently active.  South Cotabato has also reported a total of 956 COVID-19-related deaths.  (PIA SOCCSKSARGEN)