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Galvez says dip in COVID-19 cases not enough to say Pinoys already safe


The chief implementer of the government's national policy against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Monday said the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine has helped in lowering the number of COVID-19 cases.

However, retired general Carlito Galvez Jr. said the data was not enough to guarantee that Filipinos are now safe from the virus.

"Malaki ang naitutulong ng ECQ sa pagbaba ng mga bagong kaso ng COVID-19 pero hindi pa sapat ang pagbaba na ito para masabi nating ligtas na tayo..." Galvez said during a virtual press briefing.

As of April 06, the Philippines has 3,660 confirmed cases, with 163 deaths and 73 recoveries.

Galvez made an appeal to the public to follow the guidelines of the government in the implementation of strict quarantine such as staying at home, practicing social distancing, and wearing face masks.

"I encourage our countrymen to stay at home and observe strict hygiene, social distancing and the mandatory wearing of masks," Galvez said.

He also urged the public to pray that the Philippines will be spared from the disease as the Catholic faithful are observing the Holy Week. Galvez also asked Muslim brothers and sisters to pray for everyone's safety.

Galvez also told the public to wait for President Rodrigo Duterte's decision on whether the strict quarantine would be lifted or extended. The Luzon-wide quarantine is supposed to end on April 13.

Earlier, the University of the Philippines COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team said an extension of the enhanced community quarantine could help in controlling the further transmission of the disease.

According to UP Executive Vice President Teodoro Herbosa Jr., the number of COVID-19 cases could rise steeply if the quarantine will be lifted. —LDF, GMA News

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