Not alarming
THE reported rise in the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in some parts of the country, including Metropolitan Manila, should not be a cause for alarm.
Doubtless, this is heartening news considering the fact that the country’s 67.5 million registered voters go to polls on May 9 to elect new government officials.
But with only 14 days before the political exercise, concerned authorities ought to ensure that the upcoming balloting will not be a “super spreader” of the dreaded virus.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire was reported to have aired the assurance, noting that the rise has not translated to increased hospital admissions in the county.
And the Department of Health (DOH), through Vergeire,was quick to assure the public that it is closely monitoring certain areas for posting positive growth rates in the past week.
These areas include Metropolitan Manila, Mimaropa, Central Luzon, Davao Region, Caraga, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and Eastern Visayas.
Certainly, an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country as the May 9 balloting approaches is seen to adversely affect the turnout of voters on election day.
“Baka maraming matakot na lumabas para bumoto kung patuloy ang pagdami ng mga taong nagkakasakit ng nakakahawang COVID-19,” according to a new voter.
Since the upcoming balloting is a presidential poll, many quarters expect more people, including the elderly and persons with disability, to go out and vote on election day.
Dapat lang kasi napakahalagang kasama tayo sa pagpili ng susunod na Presidente at Pangalawang Pangulo ng Republika ng Pilipinas.
