Remember back when we used to think that in the future, we’d finally be rid of COVID and get back to normal?
Those were the good old days.
Now, we look at COVID like it’s the flu or the common cold. You don’t want to get it, but you’ll get it sooner or later. When you do get it, we’ll just have to manage it.
Filipinos have learned to live with COVID like the rest of the world. Everything is open for business, but they’ve kept their mask mandate. Because of this, case spikes are smaller. People are still being hospitalized for COVID, but more beds are available now than at the start of the pandemic.
Because of the global supply chain problems, some drugs are still difficult to come by. Vitamins are now more expensive than before. Pharmacies can run out of COVID testing kits and essential medicines like paracetamol and ibuprofen.
COVID hospitalization costs are manageable if they’re up to date with Philhealth contributions, don’t have a severe infection, and have health insurance. Most Filipinos, on average, would need around $450 (P25,000) to $900 (P50,000) for treatment.
But for:
- severe cases or
- those that don’t have Philhealth, or
- are confined in an expensive hospital,
Covid treatment can cost up to $18,000 or more.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1482978/surviving-covid-19-a-costly-struggle
This is why I pay for my workers’ Philhealth and health insurance. They get the support they need. They don’t have to worry about their medical expenses as much. I don’t have to worry about their medical expenses. It ends up cheaper overall.
John
PS – Unlike the Philippines, where I live, the mask mandate is long gone. Garth Brooks, 45,000 people, no masks on anyone!
