Duterte sees COVID-19 affecting Filipino lives for next several years

As coronavirus disease continues to infect more people, President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said he expects COVID-19 to stay in the lives of Filipinos in the next several years.

In a taped weekly briefing on COVID-19 response, Duterte said health protocols such as social distancing, washing of hands and wearing of face masks will be a a part of Filipinos' routine.

He also said the virus will just "circulate in the air for years."

"I'm telling them straight: the virus is here to stay, and it will change your life, at least forever until mawala ito [it goes away]. And it will continue to claim lives," Duterte said.

Aside from this, Duterte repeated his calls for Filipinos to get vaccinated to protect them from severe infection of COVID-19.

"Sabihin ko sa Pilipino, on the first opportunity, magpabakuna kayo [I'm telling Filipinos, on the first opportunity, get vaccinated]. It might save your life," the President said. — BM, GMA News