Duterte welcomes number of recoveries, reiterates warning on risk of COVID-19 infection

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday welcomed the increasing number of patients who have recovered from COVID-19 even as he warned the public again of the dangers of the disease.

As of Monday, the Philippines reported 26,420 COVID-19 cases, with 1,098 deaths and 6,252 recoveries.

“You know I cannot say it’s second wave because it is still increasing sa infected tapos ang namatay is 1,000. Although what is very heartening is the recovery which is about 6,252. It's a good record compared to the other countries,” Duterte said in a televised briefing with Cabinet officials.

“I don't know if it has something to do with... Maybe it's not too cold or the germ is not really comfortable in hot places.”

Duterte maintained that the government is gradually easing restrictions to make way for economic activity “but it does not mean that we will forget our minimum health standards.”

“Hindi ko kayo mapigilan na lumabas. Hindi ko kayo mahuli lahat. Ang problema niyan pati 'yung mga bata kung samahin ninyo or you allow your children to go out when the place is not yet ready for them to be outside at nagkasakit, huwag ninyo kaming sisihin,” he said.

“Do not forget that we warned you about the grave consequences.”

Experts from the University of the Philippines have projected the number of cases may reach the 40,000 mark by June 30.

The Department of Health said the government aims to test 1.5% of the country’s population by the end of July. --KBK, GMA News