National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. stressed Wednesday that the strict adherence to the minimum health standard "will be the key" to contain the spread of COVID-19.
"The COVID can be defeated by the minimum health standard kaya ang focus natin sa (that's why our focus in the) National Action Plan is on the prevention side," he said.
Galvez led the visit of the Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) Team in Valenzuela City Tuesday where he supported the city government's plan of testing 10 percent of its total population by year end.
The chief implementer reminded the residents to always use face mask and face shield and practice social distancing when going out of their homes.
"For as long as there is self-regulation, self-awareness, and self-mastery, we can defeat the virus and protect our own selves, our families and our communities," he said.
Galvez lauded Valenzuela for the "decisive leadership" of the local officials led by Mayor Rex Gatchalian.
“Kahit gaano kaganda ang plano pero kapag hindi ‘yan na implement sa local, hindi na implement sa barangay, hindi na implement sa mga tao, there is no way that we can win this fight (No matter how good the plan is, if it is not properly implemented in the barangay, there is no way we can win this fight)," Galvez said.
"If we fight together, there will be no mission impossible. That is a take that I could share to you. If we're united, we can surmount even the highest mountain and challenges," he added.
The CODE Team, whose members include top officials of line agencies, has been travelling across the county over the past weeks to meet with LGUs and find out how the national government can help scale up their COVID-19 response measures.