President Rodrigo Duterte had a national address last night of December 16, 2020, about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
On his late-night talk, Duterte advised the Filipino people to follow strict rules this Christmas season. He pleaded to obey health and safety protocols to avoid the Corona Virus transmission especially now that the reproduction rate for the National Capital Region has breached 1 and is at 1.06 according to OCTA Research. It means that COVID 19 is spreading fast compared to only 0.99 on December 11.
Duterte mentioned Boy Pineda, a famous biker who contracted the virus and whose wife died due to COVID-19. He reminded the public not to be complacent because the virus is lethal. Duterte quoted, “Kaunting tiis na lang, nariyan na ang bakuna.”
Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III reported that 6.2 million was tested and the cumulative positivity rate at 8.7% while 7 day average at 5%. He said that the government is increasing the health care facilities and the number of mechanical ventilators in anticipation of the COVID-19 case surge. Duque also asked the president to give a warning to the public in light of COVID-19 development.
Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade wanted to remove the toll barriers. He cited that 270 toll operators had tested positive and this motivated them to push cashless transactions.
Vaccine Czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said that the vaccination in the Philippines will be on March 2021 and they are currently negotiating with the Chinese Ambassador. He said that we can secure 60 million doses from various vaccine manufacturers. Bulk to arrive by the end of the second quarter and the beginning of the third quarter next year.
Lastly, Duterte asked the people to limit movements citing the situation in Divisoria. He also said, “Huwag kayo manghingi sa mga ninong, ninang. Lalabas para humanap ng regalo, mahawa pa.”
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