A health worker administers COVID-19 vaccine shot to a resident of Bangkal, Makati on August 18, 2022. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/file MANILA — Former health secretary and incumbent Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin urged the public not to panic amid reports of rise in COVID-19 cases in some countries.

However, she told Filipinos to observe proper hygiene and a healthy lifestyle. 

“Huwag tayong matakot, huwag tayong mag-alala kasi alam na ng ating mga doktor kung paano i-handle ang pasyente," she said.

"Ang importante lang, ‘yung ating kalinisan, ‘yung hygiene, especially kapag ikaw ay inuubo, ‘yung tamang tulog, tamang ehersisyo, at tamang pagkain, maski anong virus pa yan, kayang labanan if we live a healthy lifestyle,” Garin added.

DOH: Rise of COVID-19 cases in some countries not a cause for alarm

The Department of Health also sees no cause for alarm despite a fresh wave of COVID-19 infections in several Asian countries including Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand.

Garin said that being vaccinated is one of the best defenses against the virus.

“Kapag ang tao ay bakunado, the chances of mutating within an infected person is nil or halos wala," she said.

"The virus will be there, it will stay with us in whatever form it will take. Ang importante, hindi tayo dapat matakot, pero maging focused tayo. Andoon ‘yung active surveillance,” she added.

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