Manila mayor warns of localized lockdowns if COVID-19 cases soar

Mayor Isko Moreno delivers his second State of the City Address in Manila City Hall, Manila on July 2, 2020. He said that the coronavirus pandemic is the new ‘Batte of Manila' but despite the difficulties the city gained higher revenue collections and continues to develop infrastructure projects. The city of Manila is second with the most number of cases of coronavirus disease in the National Capital Region. RICHARD A. REYES / INQUIRER file photo

City of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno   (RICHARD A. REYES / INQUIRER file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno on Tuesday warned that he will not hesitate to impose stricter localized lockdowns if active coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases surge in the city.

“Kung sakaling magtuloy iyong nakikita natin ngayon, hindi ako mangingime maglockdown in a concerned district or area kasi we continue to do self prevalence or self-surveillance,” said Moreno on CNN Philippines.

(If cases continue to increase, I will not think twice about implementing a lockdown in a concerned district or area because we continue to do self prevalence or self surveillance.)

READ: OCTA Research sees ‘holiday uptick’ in COVID-19 cases

Moreno added that COVID-19 cases in Manila will be “alarming” if it reaches 1,100 active infections.

Manila City Hall. (Photo by RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net)

Moreno likewise said he expects “different numbers” of cases in January next year because there is a “growth” of COVID-19 infections in December.

“We are in the middle of December and there is already a growth. We might be expecting different numbers by January,” he said.

As of Dec. 15, Moreno said the City of Manila, with a population of  2.4 million, logged 359 active COVID-19 cases.

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