I did not realize I would miss Sports news until yesterday when I noticed that our own Sports Page had been carrying a lot of reports outside our province, if not from abroad. Yesterday alone, we had sports news only about the Phoenix Suns and the Milwaukee Bucks, two of the topnotch teams of the U.S.A. The other item was about Novak Djokovic and Novak Federer and their expected match at Wimbledon. Seems their sports personalities over there are not intimidated by the COVID, or have assured themselves of exemption from it by undergoing vaccinations early enough.
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I am not aware of the statistics as far as our city and province are concerned, but I do know that our officials are doing their best to see to it that vaccinations are available for everyone. The problem, I hear, is that many are still hesitant about getting the “shots”, which seems to indicate that we still have a lot of ignoramuses who would rather rely on “siruhanos”, or witch doctors, to whom they entrust their health. That seems strange, because, was it not that even in school – at least during my time – doctors and nurses regularly come to inoculate students against common childhood ailments?
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What puzzles me, though, is the fact that we continue to get lots of reports about arrests of drug peddlers and users. Does this mean that the prohibited stuff still continues to have easy access to our cities, provinces and even towns? And don’t tell me the sellers promote their stuff by telling buyers that it can protect them from the COVID! It is good to know, though, that our law enforcers are quite adept in going after those “peddlers”, although I often wonder why we hear of arrests, but seldom, or even very rarely, of convictions. Maybe they have very good lawyers?
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But it was good to hear that some barangays in Bacolod are getting ambulances to help them rush their stricken residents to the hospital. I hope these are assigned in areas where they can also serve neighboring barangays until all of them get their own. A word of caution, though: Residents must look out that the use of those ambulances are not abused, or considered by their officials as their own personal transport system. Barangay residents must be on the lookout for such practices.
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Only the other day, we were discussing the dangers posed by floods, landslides and mudslides and I was even vouching for floods as the least dangerous, because one could survive by swimming or climbing to the rooftops or even trees. Then early this week came news about mudslides in Japan and immediately after it, four were reported dead and 24 missing. There has been no follow-up report, though, so we do know if the missing had been accounted for, or if the number had increased.
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It seems that Indonesia is one of the countries badly hit by COVID. Last Saturday alone, there were 400 burials of COVID fatalities there, and who knows how many more have succumbed to it since then. Their biggest problem, especially for hospitals, is the lack of oxygen, and it was suspected that many people, especially those who could afford it, have been “stockpiling” oxygen tanks in their homes, to be ready in case any of their members get stricken. I will not be surprised if the government will consider it a crime to do that, as it could deprive those who really need it.
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But it was reassuring to hear that our country is now considered a “low risk” area for COVID transmissions. But let us not take chances. In times like this, let’s think of the old “bromide” that says “There’s no place like home”. And, if at all possible, advise your folks to think of that, too. But I cross my fingers as I say that because one member of our family has a job that cannot allow him to quarantine himself, being the “Daddy” of our city. So all we other members do is pray fervently for him for guidance in what he has to do, and for protection against what he and his fellow officials have to fight. I hope our people, for whom they do this will not only appreciate them for the risks they take, but also pray for their inspiration and protection, too.
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I don’t mind repeating this so it will inspire our officials and health workers, but wasn’t it wonderful to hear that the World Health Organization itself has noted the efforts of our people, our officials, especially, by saying that our country is doing a “good job despite its limited resources”? Can’t you feel your ears tingling when you hear that? So let’s go on with what we have been doing, this “good job” of ours!*
