These critical last few days of the year

In these last few days of the year, our officials will be closely watching the figures of COVID-19 infections and deaths in the country, to see the effects of the general easing of restrictions for the holiday season, particularly the gathering of people for the Simbang Gabi.

The officials know the figure is bound to go up, but it is hoped that it will not be so much that severe restrictions will have be imposed again. It all depends now on the people themselves, whether they follow the few basic rules of wearing face masks and face shields, proper distancing, and frequent washing of hands.

The COVID-19 virus is still with us. Some countries like the United States and the United Kingdom have begun administering vaccines which, in due time, will create a “herd immunity” that will stop further spread of the virus. But that will take time, months, as there are hundreds of millions of people that need to be vaccinated.