TWO YEARS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
January 2022 and the Covid-19 Pandemic rages on - the new variant Omicron which is highly transmissible, has caused a massive rise  of cases in many countries of the world, with numbers of infections reaching over a million per day! Early data indicate milder symptoms relative to the Delta variant, especially for those who have been vaccinated and received booster shots. But health facilities and resources are stretched to their limits, large numbers of the workforce in all fields and industries are getting sick and needed to isolate, affecting the normal operations of all sectors of society in many countries. Thousands of flights cancelled per day, planes are grounded because majority of the crew are infected! We find hope and solace from the words of some pandemic experts: "This could be the beginning of the end". When the Covid-19 variant has evolved from its many mutations, to finally become endemic with the world's population, when it no longer kills its host. We can begin to co-exist with the virus. But things usually get worse, before they get better - and we may well be in that worst situation now.Â
We soldier on and continue to work on projects to help the community cope with the devastating and dire consequences from Omicron.  It is a slow and laborious process, not to mention the associated risks involved. We persevere to look after our own health and well-being and those of our loved ones and our community. We strive to focus on priorities, because the time and opportunity given to us is precious and should not be squandered. We will all get through this. We share with you what we continue to do to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 and promote positive change, health and well-being.
ONGOING COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Our Lead Team and Members at La Torre Elementary Batch 1978 continue to extend the needed assistance to our countrymen - be it through vaccination and booster drives, food donations and PPE distribution and coordination with the Local Government in the operation of designated Quarantine Facilities in our community following DOH Public Health Guidelines. Our Emergency Responders work together with LGU's and other stakeholders to provide rapid response on all fronts.Â
We continue to be at the front lines of public health and community response, and behind-the-scenes assistance. Our volunteers work tirelessly to ensure the needed service is delivered effectively to our community - including Blood Donation and Facility Inspections.
Getting the community fully vaccinated and with booster shots, ensure greater protection from the serious consequences of the highly transmissible Omicron variant.
Our Lead Team and Members at La Torre Elementary Batch 1978 were in the forefront of the Public Health System in the region's drive for mass vaccination and booster shots.
VIGILANT IN TAKING GOOD CARE OF OURSELVES AS WE TRY TO LIVE WITH COVID-19
To be able to continue our work in the community, we have adapted the recommended Public Health Best Practices to ensure maintenance of our personal health & well-being, and those of our family and the people we serve. With the highly-transmissible Omicron variant, vigilance is key: wearing N95 masks (or double masks if not wearing N95), avoiding crowded places and ensuring proper ventilation, vigilant self-monitoring, testing, self-isolating/quarantine, and physical hygiene are measures we practice and take seriously to reduce the incidence of transmission.
PROTECTING OUR RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
With the highly transmissible Omicron variant, it is very important to wear properly-fit masks with high-efficiency filters (N95) or use double masks. Equally important is wearing eye-protection especially when in crowded places with poor ventilation. Our Team Members ensure that they follow Current Best Practices and Protocols to protect themselves and those around them.
ENSURING PROPER NUTRITION TO BUILD UP OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
Loading up on vitamins and minerals from fresh fruits and vegetables is key to boost our immune system. Prices of fresh produce in many countries have skyrocketed during the pandemic. We use locally-sourced fresh produce. Our Team Members are involved in fruit and vegetable farming to make these readily available to the communities.
REGULARLY ENGAGING IN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
We strive to keep physically and mentally healthy during this pandemic. A few minutes of sunshine a day is important for Vitamin D, which helps in the efficient absorption of minerals like calcium in the body, including Vitamin C. Physical distancing and wearing masks outdoors is  still highly recommended. We should all do our part to prevent further transmissions.
HEALTHY FOOD AND PROPER NUTRITION
It is important to nourish both body and spirit especially during these difficult times. We prepare our favourite local dishes from the Philippines together with the sumptuous dishes in our adopted countries. We enjoy all these with a drink or two and share these on social media with family and friends - just like having an online party.
OUR TRADITIONAL DISHES
We at La Torre Elementary Batch 1978 are proud of our traditional dishes - handed down to us through generations, and which we continue to prepare and share with our families, our friends and our community. In the time of Covid-19 Pandemic these dishes are nourishment for our body and our soul. We are share these with everyone in our community.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES - INDOORS OR OUTDOORS; ALONE OR WITH OUR FAMILIES
Physical activity is key to staying healthy and to build better immunity against the Omicron variant. We dance, we sing, we run, we hike, we paddle, we swim, etc. We take advantage of doing as much exercise outdoors, under the sun, when restrictions ease. Doing these activities together with our love ones promote mental health and general well-being.
With the easing up of restrictions in June to December 2021, families in many parts of the world were able to gather together again and spend time outdoors. Our Team Members spent quality time with their loved ones - summer picnics and celebrating the holidays.
PERSISTENT IN PURSUING OUR PRIORITIES
HEALTHY - STRONG - HAPPY - TOGETHER
We persevere to keep fit and healthy during these very challenging times. We spend quality time with our family - sharing precious moments today, creating treasured memories for tomorrow.
WE REMEMBER AND OFFER PRAYERS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US. MAY THEY ALL REST IN PEACE.
CARMENCITA RIVERA
DARWIN MATEO
