President Rodrigo Duterte has advised everyone that there are still safety protocols “to be followed” during the observance of Christmas culture amid the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.
Pres. Duterte explained that the guidelines of the government are for the welfare of the public and asked for a little patience because a vaccine has already been developed.
“Kayong mga mag-asawa, kayong mga may mga anak (those who have spouses and children): Be careful. If your spouse got it and you do not know, you sleep together and both of you get infected, then that’s the end of the story of your life,” he pointed out.
“Huwag kayong magkumpiyansa (Do not be too confident). Sinabi ko sa inyo (I already told you that) this is a very lethal thing… I can never say that I am safe here or I can be safe ever until nabakunahan tayong lahat (we are all vaccinated),” he cautioned.
Citing recent reports on the crowding in Divisoria, he discouraged the public from going there at this time if it is not necessary.
“In the meantime, what we should do is to pray for our country and prepare for those who are sick… mahaba pa ang buhay (that their lives may be extended). If not for you, then for your children,” he counseled.
The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday cited that there are now 454,447 COVID-19 cases in the country after 1,470 new cases were added. A total of 25,695 remain active out of the total case tally.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Thursday also relayed the information from the health department that the decreasing trend of cases is slowing down.
“Kaya sinasabi ng DOH, baka ito na ay simula ng pagtaas muli ng mga numero… Ito ay nagsisimula pa lamang, pwede pa natin itong ma-reverse (The DOH is saying that this might be the start of the new rise in numbers… This is just starting and we can still reverse it),” he stated. – PTV News Online
