Covid cloud hangs over Cebu City

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spares no one. As the number of infections continues its climb in Cebu — Cebu City in particular — even some prominent persons were not spared: Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Secretary Michael Diño, Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas, Oslob Mayor Jose Tumulak and Ginatilan Mayor Dean Michael Singco. This suggests that the virus is ubiquitous and transmission is spreading fast. Considering the relatively limited testing done in the Philippines compared to other countries, absolute numbers of infections are likely under-reported and merely the tip of the iceberg. How many unreported cases do we have for every reported one?

Joel Garganera, the Cebu City councilor, who oversees the city’s coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response, blames the rise in cases — 282 on February 18 — on asymptomatic infected persons who fail to follow the health protocols. Of course, just like it takes two to tango, it takes two to pass on a virus: the infected and a new host. We see plenty of “unprotected” individuals in Cebu City. Maybe only one in 20 follow health standards 100 percent. While most wear a face mask in public places, face shields are either not worn, placed on the brow or at the back of the head. It is not uncommon to see face masks under the nose. In the interior neighborhoods, most people don’t even wear a face mask. Their homes are “just over there” (expressed by pointing with the lips).