Palace elated over PH’s decreasing COVID-19 cases, ‘but complacency won’t do’

MANILA, Philippines — While it was pleased over a report indicating the Philippines as among countries with decreasing COVID-19 cases, Malacañang said this should not be a reason for complacency in the pandemic fight.

“We are pleased with the recent report of the New York Times, entitled ‘Coronavirus Map: Tracking the Global Outbreak,’ which includes the Philippines as among countries “where new cases are lower and staying low” over the past week,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Tuesday in a statement.

In New York Times’ daily COVID-19 report, Philippines is among the countries with decreasing new cases along with Russia, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Greece, and more.

Screenshot from New York Times

“Let us, however, not be lulled into complacency,” Roque said.

Roque added the public must continue to remain vigilant and observe health protocols such as wearing face masks and face shields, frequent hand washing and maintaining physical distance from other people.

On Monday, the Philippines recorded its lowest daily increase of COVID-19 cases since July 15 at 1,383.

Experts from the University of the Philippines, over the weekend, said the COVID-19 infections in the country has already flattened noting the low number of cases’ reproduction number.

President Rodrigo Duterte attributed this to the government’s community quarantine measures and the public’s obedience to health protocols.

“These trends demonstrate that the decisions and actions made by the Administration are working.  Government, however, cannot do this alone,” Roque said.

“We are thus grateful for the dedication and sacrifices of our frontliners in the medical community, the support of the private sector, and the cooperation of the general public in following the minimum public health standards,” he added.

JPV