COVID-19 cases up
THE number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, including Metropolitan Manila (MM), continues to rise as the inauguration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. fast approaches.
Under the Constitution, President Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio and other newly-elected government officials are set to assume office at 12 noon on June 30.
After taking his oath of office as the 17th President of the Republic of the Philippines at the historic National Museum in Manila, Mr. Marcos will deliver his inaugural address.
But it is certainly heartening to know that most of the coronavirus disease cases in MM and five provinces – Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Iloilo -are mild or even asymptomatic.
In the view of many, the increasing COVID-19 positivity rate in the National Capital Region (NCR) will not dampen the interest of the people to attend President Marcos’ inauguration.
What’s important is for the people, particularly those attending the inaugural rites, to always observe government-decreed health and safety protocols, like wearing of masks.
However, the positivity rate should not be the only basis for assessing the current COVID-19 situation in a particular place, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
The health department pointed out that “it is important to consider the overall picture of transmission and case severity, which is what the alert level system does.”
The fate of the government’s campaign to prevent another COVID-19 surge in the country, notably in the National Capital Region, remains in the hands of the people.
Thus, we hope the Filipino people heed the appeal of the authorities to always wear masks and observe the national government’s social distancing policy.
At saka magpabakuna na tayong lahat laban sa nakakatakot at nakakahawang COVID-19.
