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Birthday boy Harry's wish: Fewer COVID cases, more economic activity

Philippines | National

Birthday boy Harry's wish: Fewer COVID cases, more economic activity

By Raymund Antonio

Turning 55 on Thursday, October 21, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque wished for the country to overcome the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and return to normal.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque (OPS / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

Roque made public his birthday wish during a virtual media briefing with Palace reporters.

“Dahil ito pong araw na ito ay aking kaarawan, hayaan nyo naman akong magkaroon ng birthday wish: ang lalo pang magbukas ang ating ekonomiya, bumaba ang mga kaso ng COVID nang sa ganun mas marami ang makapagbalik buhay (Because today is my birthday, allow me to make a birthday wish: may we open further our economy, a decline in COVID cases, so more people may return to their normal lives),” he said.

The spokesperson bared his birthday wish after he was greeted by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos Jr. who was a guest in his online presser.

He was also greeted by Communications Undersecretary Rocky Ignacio, who has been designated to read questions sent out by the media.

Metro Manila has eased into Alert Level 3, as well as Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Siquijor, Davao City, and Davao del Norte.

READ: COVID Alert Level 3: Quick Guide on Do's and Don'ts

The less stringent restrictions mean that there will be no age limit to who can go outside their homes, although children are still not allowed in indoor establishments.

On Wednesday, October 20, the Philippines logged 3,656 new cases, the lowest since July 13.

The positivity rate of 11.6 percent is the lowest since July 18 while intensive care unit (ICU) bed occupancy rates in the country and Metro Manila are now in the safe zone or below 60 percent.

Related Tags

Harry Roque PH economy COVID-19 CASES birthday wish Benhur Abalos return to normal

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