Palace welcomes NYT report, including Philippines in list of countries “where new COVID-19 cases are lower and staying low”

September 9, 2020

Malacanang welcomed on Tuesday a recent report by the New York Times, which cited the Philippines as among countries where new cases of coronavirus disease are lower and staying low over the past week.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque credited not only the government, but the healthcare workers, private sector and the public as well for the low cases of COVID-19.

"While the recent trend of COVID-19 figures is positive, we must continuously correlate it with the submissions being made by laboratories daily. These trends demonstrate that the decisions and actions made by the Administration are working," he said.

"Government, however, cannot do this alone.  We are thus grateful for the dedication and sacrifices of our frontliners in the medical community, the support of the private sector, and the cooperation of the general public in following the minimum public health standards," Roque said.

He urged the Filipinos "not to be lulled into complacency."

Roque reiterated that COVID-19 is still around, and unless a cure or vaccine has been available, the people should continue to remain vigilant.

He also asked the public to continue to observe health protocols, such as wearing of masks and face shields, washing of hands and maintaining a physical distance.

In a report entitled "Coronavirus Map: Tracking the Global Outbreak" on September 8, the New York Times included the Philippines, along with 63 other countries, in "where new cases are lower and staying low."

Some of the other countries in Asia which were in the same classification are Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Mainland China, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Hong Kong and Taiwan were also included. Celerina Monte/DMS