By Genalyn Kabiling
"Congratulations Philippines!”
So declared by Malacañang after hailing the country’s achievement of "beating" the prediction of University of the Philippines (UP) researchers that the country could have 40,000 cases of coronavirus cases by end of June.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr.(CAMILLE ANTE / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
As of June 29, the country had recorded 36,438 cases of coronavirus with 9,956 recoveries and 1,255 deaths.
In a televised press briefing, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque raised his fist up in victory and declared that the country was "winning" the fight against the new coronavirus disease.
"We did not hit 40,000 or we will not hit 40,000 by end of June which is only a few days which is what two days? One day? Today is the last day na pala! Ano bang sinasabi ko. Wala na po, panalo na tayo (What I am saying. It's over. We won)," a visibly elated Roque said, raising his right fist in the air.
"We beat the UP prediction. We beat it! So congratulations, Philippines! Let’s do it again in July," he added.
As the government enforced quarantine restrictions and improved testing and health care capacity, Roque cited that there has been drop in fatality rate and slowdown in case doubling rate and positivity rate. The country’s testing backlog is down to 1,000, contrary to (the) reported 10,000, he added
"We are winning," Roque said beaming with pride.
A team of UP researchers and scientists earlier estimated that the country's coronavirus cases could reach 40,000 by June 30. Another study indicated that the number of infections could soar to 60,000 by end of July.
The government earlier asserted that it took the correct measures, including the strict lockdown, to contain the spread of the coronavirus amid criticisms over the continued surge in coronavirus infections in the country.
Roque said the government may not be perfect but President Duterte is doing his best to deal with the pandemic.
President Duterte is expected to announce the country's new quarantine status on Monday night. The government earlier relaxed the country's quarantine restrictions, allowing more businesses to open in order to jumpstart the economy.
According to Roque, four provinces, including Cebu, Bulacan and Cagayan, have appealed for a change in their quarantine status.
"Mas marami po gustong mas higpitan, parang tatlo po iyong mas gustong mas higpitan, isa po iyong downgrading (Many want to further tighten the quarantine. At least three wanted a more stringent quarantine while one requested a downgrading)," he said.
Roque has also appealed anew to the public to observe health protocols, including wearing masks, proper hand hygiene, and safe distancing, to slow down the spread of the disease.
He said the government also intends to step up expanded testing efforts to detect, isolate and treat those with the infection.