COVID-19 cases rise in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — The number of COVID cases in Manila is increasing amid Christmas parties and preparations for the holiday, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan said yesterday.

As of Friday, the city government reported 111 active cases, with 24 added that day.

The COVID positivity rate in Manila also rose to 22 percent from 16 percent last week, Pangan said.

The mayor, a doctor specializing in dermatology, urged residents to keep wearing face masks when visiting crowded areas like shopping malls, Divisoria, Recto and Binondo to buy food and gifts as well as when attending parties.

She also called on residents to practice hand hygiene and avoid going outdoors when they feel COVID symptoms.

She warned that vulnerable groups like the elderly, toddlers, immunocompromised and pregnant women are at risk of getting COVID.

Erratic weather in the city could also be blamed for prevalence of flu-like symptoms, she added.