Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso said there has been no recorded surge of COVID-19 infections in Manila after the holidays.
In an interview with CNN Philippines on Sunday, Domagoso said the city government has been implementing measures to curb the possible uptick of new infections since December 1.
Data from the city government showed there are only 295 active COVID-19 cases out of 24,983 confirmed cases in the capital city. There are also 23,938 recoveries and 750 deaths recorded.
The Manila mayor credited the low number of infections to residents who discipline themselves and observe government-issued health and safety protocols.
However, Domagoso said the figure that they have right now is only a reflection of the first three weeks of December 2020.
The local chief executive also encouraged residents who went home to the provinces for the holidays to avail of the city government's free swab testing upon their return to the city.
Traslacion preparations
Domagoso said the next big event that Manila is gearing up for is the annual Traslacion on January 9.
Although both the city government and church officials agreed to cancel the massive procession in light of the pandemic, alternative events planned may still attract crowds of thousands of devotees, he said.
Manila Police District Director Leo Francisco said around 45,000 people visited the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila on January 1.
Domagoso said they plan to manage devotees outside of the church and close some roads on January 9.