Moreno warns of new wave of infections if residents relax health measures

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Tuesday reminded residents to be responsible and to remain vigilant to prevent a possible second wave of coronavirus disease infections.

“Hindi natin minamaliit ang sitwasyon sa Europa, ngunit ginagamit natin yun bilang tanda o paalala na nandiyan pa ang panganib,” Moreno said in a statement as he cited international news agencies reporting that countries in Europe are experiencing a new wave of virus cases.

(We do not seek to undermine the situation in Europe, on the contrary, we use it as a warning and reminder that the threat of the pandemic is still there.)

“Salamat sa Diyos, ‘wag sana mangyari ‘yung tulad sa mga nabalita sa international news agencies on what is happening in Europe. Salamat at hindi nangyayari sa atin yun pero hindi puwedeng ikaila na puwede ulit dumami ang impeksyon kapag tayo naging iresponsable, pag tayo’y nag-relax, kaya dapat maging responsable tayong mga Batang Maynila,” he added.

(God willing, what happens in Europe based on the international news agencies would not happen here. We should be thankful that it is not happening to us but we should not forget that it may happen to us if we become irresponsible and if we relax. That’s why we should be responsible for Manila citizens.)

Quoting the Financial Times, Moreno said European businesses are preparing themselves for the impact of a second wave as more COVID-19 cases are being reported.

As of Monday, Manila logged a total of 17,900 confirmed cases of the respiratory disease including 758 active cases.

Of the 17,900 virus infections, 16,614 are recoveries while 528 are fatalities. — Miggy Dumlao, trainee