It’s the “calm before the storm,” a member of the OCTA Research Group said of the Delta variant of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Now posing a clear and present danger to the country, authorities are working double time to prepare for a possible surge in infection in case the variant spreads at the community level. In fact, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, himself, said that it would be best to assume that there is already local transmission of the variant.
In other fronts, “Fabian” is now a severe tropical storm; a Philippine Coast Guard team’s radio challenge drives away a Chinese navy vessel; and more brickbats are being exchanged by two factions at the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).
These are among the top stories this Monday afternoon, July 19, 2021.
An elderly Muslim resident prays at the Golden Mosque in Quiapo, Manila, ahead of the Eid’l Adha or Feast of Sacrifice on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, which was earlier declared as a regular holiday nationwide. (Ali Vicoy)
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