Here's how Filipinos balance making a living and the COVID-19 reality

Filipinos continue their daily grind to earn a living, despite the Philippines topping the list with the most COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia.

In a report on Unang Hirit: Street Hirit series, Bam Alegre showed how some Filipinos balance making a living as they try to protect themselves from getting infected with COVID-19.

"Eh kasi kung hindi tayo kikilos, magkakanda gutom tayo nito," said food delivery rider Jeffrey Orcales.

To manage exposure and continue making a a living, his fellow food delivery rider JC Tapara cuts his shift short as soon as he earns a few bucks. 

"Kapag kumita kami nang konti lang, ganito lang, OK na. Umuuwi na kami. Para sa 'min, safety pa rin. Pag nakakasalamuha kami sa iba, sanitize," Tapara said.

Meanwhile, karinderya owner Evelyn Ocasion has allowed her store to operate for 24 hours a day, as she's placed plastic covers around her store for protection and follows the strict protocols.

"Kailangan sundin. Kailangan mag-mask, alcohol, lahat. Kailangan maghugas ng kamay tsaka masyadong ano sa mga tao — distancing talaga," she said.

The report said safety protocols should be implemented in both transportation and workplace setups.

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday discouraged the use of rapid testing to screen employees who are returning to work as evidence shows that it yields false positive or false negative results.

Experts from the University of the Philippines have projected that the number of COVID-19 cases in the country may reach more than 85,000 by the end of July.

The Philippines reported over 2,000 COVID-19 cases on Sunday bringing the total to more than 67,000 COVID-19 cases. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News