Metro Manila mayors move to arrest COVID-19 uptick, possible Omicron spread

Filipino shoppers flock to Quiapo in Manila City on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021 to purchase round fruits and other goods in preparation for New Year's Day celebrations.

The STAR / Walter Bollozos

MANILA, Philippines — The local chief executives of Metro Manila's hardest-hit cities assured residents that the local government units are prepared to arrest the recent increase in coronavirus cases and the possible spread of the pathogen's Omicron variant as they encouraged Filipinos to get vaccinated. 

According to independent pandemic monitor OCTA Research, of the 3,314 coronavirus cases recorded in Metro Manila on Sunday, the cities of Manila, Quezon, and Makati topped the list with 949, 648, and 211 cases in their localities respectively. Sunday's nationwide tally saw 3,617 new COVID-19 cases added, marking the highest single-day increase since October 30 of last year.

In a statement, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso assured the public that the city government has taken necessary preparations to combat the spread of the virus, especially the more transmissible Omicron variant.

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/01/03/2151573/metro-manila-mayors-move-arrest-covid-19-uptick-possible-omicron-spread