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| (Image Source: GMA Network/GMA News) |
The Philippines is still facing a touch battle against the COVID-19 virus more than one year ago since the start of the global pandemic. Recently, an overwhelming surge brought about by its multiple new variants led the country to have more than one million confirmed cases and with highly disturbing increase, some Filipinos are grappling with what to do should they get contracted with the virus and why getting vaccinated. This is where GMA News and Public Affairs comes in with "PPE: Pinoy Pandemic Essentials", a series of public service vignettes that gives simply practical but life-saving answers to common yet important questions about the virus.
Available on air via GTV and online via GMA News and Public Affairs' online platforms and with award-winning documentarist and broadcast journalist Atom Araullo lending his voice on the narrative, "PPE: Pinoy Pandemic Essentials" is divided into six topics that provide practical tips to follow for different COVID-19 scenarios. These include the following:
• "May COVID Ba Ako?" - features tell-tale signs and symptoms of the virus with a reminder that mild symptoms can be possible signs. It encourages people to immediately isolate and get tested upon experiencing symptoms, especially during a surge in cases.
• "Close Contact Ba Ako?" - gives sample scenarios of a close contact situation. When is one considered a close contact and what are the steps to take once the individual has been identified as such?
• "Saan Puwedeng Mag-Swab?" - answers the common inquiry of what to do and where to go when one wants to get a swab test. It also provides various avenues where one can be tested either for free or with a fee.
• "Negative Ba Ako O Positive?" - addresses the situation where what if a person gets a positive - or negative - result within days and explains the concept of the "incubation period" and the importance of knowing this.
• "Dapat Ba Akong Magpabakuna?" - What is a vaccine? How does it work? What are the possible side effects? What should one do after getting the job? This explains the principle behind vaccines considering that the safety of getting a COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most pressing concerns of Filipinos recently during the pandemic.
• "Tayo-Tayo Lang Naman, Diba?" - explains the concept of bubbles. Why is it still important to practice social distancing even inside the household? What happens when different household "bubbles" interact?
Information can save lives, and "PPE: Pinoy Pandemic Essentials" tends to inform and educate the public with the right information in order to prevent and curb the further spread of the virus. For more information, follow GMA News and GMA Public Affairs on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
