Confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines topped the 200,000-mark on Wednesday, after 5,277 were confirmed, the highest single day tally since the easing of virus restrictions to a GCQ last week.
The National Capital Region is under a strict GCQ, with new restrictions such as face shields to slow the spread of the disease. It will last until Aug. 31. Before Wednesday, daily cases during the strict GCQ have stayed below 5,000. Twice, the tallies did not exceed 3,000.
The Philippines is close to "flattening the curve" of infections, according to an adviser to the country's pandemic response task force. Had the MECQ not been enforced in Metro Manila and its suburbs from Aug. 4 to 18, cases could have gone higher.
MORE ON STRICT GCQ:
Strict GCQ is Here: Curfews Back, Haircuts Only in Salons
Haircuts Only, Quarantine Passes: More GCQ Rules You Need to Know
"Hindi naman ibig sabihin flatten iyong curve, tapos na (A flattening of the curve doesn't mean it's over)," Guido David, a fellow at UP-Octa, told Teleradyo last Monday.
"Kaya kailangan, talagang continuous iyong effort natin. Hindi tayo puwedeng magpabaya kasi puwedeng magka-surge ulit iyan (This is why our efforts need to continue. We can’t be complacent because it can surge again.)
COVID-19 TOP STORIES:
Can COVID-19 Strike Twice? Scientists Say Yes, And It Casts Doubts on Immunity
As Global Death Toll Tops 800,000, Fears of Second Wave Emerge
When Will the COVID-19 Pandemic End? In Two Years, Hopefully, Says the WHO
