We Can Overcome COVID-19 – Palace

‘Serious surge’ noted in NCR; ‘very high’ attack rates in Pasay, Makati, Navotas, Santiago in Isabela

- Genalyn Kabiling And Jhon Aldrin Casinas

A resilient Philippines could overcome the coronavirus pandemic, especially after the nation managed to survive past natural calamities, Malacañang declared Thursday after OCTA Research group said Metro Manila is now experiencing a “serious surge” of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque tried to lift the spirits of the pandemic-weary nation, assuring the country could slow down the spread of the virus with continued cooperation and strict observance of health and safety protocols.

Roque even expressed confidence that the daily coronavirus cases could even be brought down back to 1,000 level, from the current 4,000.

“Pilipinas kaya natin itong COVID-19. Nakaya natin nga ang bagyo, lindol, pagputok ng bulkan, kakayanin din itong COVID-19 (Philippines, we can overcome COVID-19. We survived typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic eruption, we can certainly overcome COVID-19),” Roque said during a virtual press conference Thursday, March 18.

‘Serious surge’

In its report issued March 17, OCTA Research said the National Capital Region (NCR) logged 2,231 new infections on March 16, which represented a 78-percent increase in new cases compared to the previous week.

The independent research team also noted that the reproduction number in the metropolis jumped to 1.96, “its highest level since May 2020,” and its positivity rate rose to 12 percent.